It is illegal to drive a vehicle without registration number, but the law under Motor Vehicles Act does not seem to apply for all, at least for scores of motorcycles being used by police in Ranchi to enforce law in the city and keep law breakers at bay. Even the directive of the Minister Transport, CP Singh could not ensure that men in khakhi stick to the rule.
Very few vehicles used by police for patrolling on the streets of the Capital have the registration number issued by the district transport office of Ranchi but the vehicle is often used for crime control and in some cases motorcycle born policemen frisk other vehicles for nabbing people who take law into their hands.
Notably, the State police had received 450 motorcycles in March, 2015 and Ranchi had received 50 motorcycles for patrolling and crime control in the city.
The vehicles were given following requests from districts to provide two-wheelers to help police in hot pursuit. Most of the vehicles bear ‘A/F’ (applied for) on the number plate which is a violation of the MV Act.
“We have provided registration number to them way back. Now it is their duty to get the registration number printed on vehicle’s number plate. If they are caught then they will be penalised for not doing so,” said District Transport Officer Nagendra Paswan.
The vehicles have been given to Tiger Mobile squad of the police but even a strict checking drive could not net any constable of the squad as they pass through check points where commoners face the wrath of the police.
Ironically, the mere reiteration of the code in the MVI act by Minister CP Singh issued in the review meeting of the department has not been implemented.
Meanwhile, senior police officials vowed to look into the matter and ensure that the rule will be implemented in letter and spirit. As per the provision of the act, only a vehicle with valid registration number is allowed on streets.
Traffic SP Kathik S, who is on a vacation, said, “We have registered all vehicles and everyone has been given the number. I will have to check”.
According to the portal of the State Transport department, using unregistered vehicle or displaying ‘Applied For’ comes under ‘Major Traffic Offenses’ and such offences invites fine of Rs 4,500 for 1st offence and Rs 9000 for 2nd offence.