HC issues directives for two-wheeler riders

Kochi, Nov 25 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today directed the State Director-General of Police and Transport Commissioner to instruct the police and transport authorities to seize two wheelers having more than two passengers, including the driver.

A Division Bench of Justices C N Ramachandran Nair and Harun Al-Rasheed also made it clear that the vehicle found to be carrying more than two passengers should not be allowed to continue the journey.

The first offence shall be entered in the registration book and in case of repeated offences, prosecution should be launched.

The court issued this direction while interpreting section 128 of the Motor Vehicle Act which restricts more than two travellers on a two-wheeler.

However, the court had made it clear that even though the Act permitted only one pillion rider, taking into account the ground realities, a small child can also be permitted with the pillion rider without sacrificing the space.

The court also directed that safety measures in the motor vehicle should be made stringent.

The DGP and Transport Commissioner were also directed to file an action taken report within one month on the issue.

UNI XR MA GL PM1925