The Karnataka High Court.
Credit: DH File Photo
The Karnataka High Court’s directive to the Union and state governments to crack down on the unauthorised display of national symbols and emblems is a necessary intervention. The court has rightly highlighted the misuse of these symbols on vehicles, not only by individuals but also by former MPs, legislators, and corporators. The order arose from a petition by the High Court Legal Services Committee concerning the unauthorised use of the title ‘Human Rights Commission’. The proliferation of stickers proclaiming the profession or caste has turned public roads into a space of privilege and power. What ought to be a democratic and neutral arena is being warped by symbols of influence that not only undermine the rule of law but also pose serious security risks. These symbols, whether real or fabricated, are often used to evade traffic rules, intimidate police, and escape scrutiny. They could also be exploited to gain illegal access to sensitive areas.
Several High Courts have previously voiced concern over this growing trend of flaunting designations or affiliations on vehicles. In 2020, the Punjab and Haryana High Court banned the mention of profession on all vehicles, both government and private. Observing that in some cases, people used expressions like ‘neighbour of MLA’ or ‘former MP’ to awe others, the court noted, “All are equal on the road and should be treated so.” Similarly, the Madras High Court, In 2021, passed a similar order and particularly deprecated the use of ‘Advocate’ and ‘Press’ stickers used to intimidate the police. The Tamil Nadu DGP had in his affidavit admitted that policemen are hesitant to stop and check vehicles fixed with party flags or designation boards of any kind. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh police launched a drive against vehicles displaying caste, religion, or sect stickers. More recently, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that police personnel were not permitted to affix ‘Police’ labels on their private vehicles.
The sticker culture is more than a mere annoyance, it is a loophole through which law and order are compromised. It is not just about misplaced vanity or false pride – it is a public safety hazard and erosion of equality before the law. Part of the problem lies in the ambiguity within the Central Motor Vehicle Act. There is a need for a uniform, centrally legislated rule that explicitly prohibits the unauthorised use of designations, emblems, and affiliations on vehicles. The roads belong to the public, not to a privileged few. Let the road be a place where everybody is equal, not a stage for status games.