JOIN USSC summons states on speed governors
Taking a strong note of non-filing of status reports by several states, the Supreme Court on Monday asked their transport secretaries to appear in person with records relating to installation of speed governors in public transport vehicles.
“You (states) cannot be allowed to be happy taking dates after dates... This is not a panchayat, proceedings in the Supreme Court cannot be taken lightly,” a bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud said, while hearing a petition seeking installation of speed governors on public transport vehicles.
The bench, during the hearing, took the names of errant states, which had not filed their reports and refused to grant further opportunity for it.
It asked their transport secretaries to remain present with records on the day when it will hear the petition next after four weeks. States like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Tripura, Bihar, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have not filed their replies.
“Why should we grant you (states) more time? We will call your chief secretaries then only you will understand,” the bench said, adding that states, which have put in an appearance for the first time in the matter, will be given time to file their counter affidavits.
The transport secretaries of the states, which have been served with the notices, but did not file the responses, will have to appear in person, the bench clarified. “Some of you have been served (notice) long back. Why have you not filed your counter affidavits? Months have passed just like that,” it said and fixed the PIL filed by NGO Suraksha Foundation after four weeks for final disposal. The exemption was granted in a notification of April 15 under Rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.