GG News Bureau
Bhopal, 7th Feb. The Madhya Pradesh Police, responsible for enforcing traffic laws, has been found violating them by operating vehicles without registration certificates, number plates, or proper maintenance. The revelation has raised concerns about accountability and double standards in law enforcement.
While ordinary citizens face fines of ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 for driving without a valid fitness certificate, police vehicles—including riot control vehicles, cranes, and patrol cars—are reportedly running without necessary documentation.
Police Vehicles in Poor Condition
A police driver with 38 years of service, Kishore Kumar, admitted that most vehicles lack proper paperwork. “I have never seen any documents for our vehicles. Officers say these vehicles are not insured, maintenance is delayed, and their fitness deteriorates due to excessive use,” he said.
The Vajra riot control vehicle is in dire condition, with broken seats and a damaged dashboard. Assistant Sub-Inspector Ram Prasad noted that officials claim maintenance work is underway, though no visible progress has been made.
Similarly, outdated Tata Sumo SUVs, which have been phased out from the commercial market, remain in active police service. When asked about their legality, a control room officer dismissed inquiries, saying only “Senior officers will tell.”
A crane used to tow illegally parked vehicles is itself in poor condition. Its windows do not open properly, the doors do not close, and its fitness certificate is missing. Constable Shiv Kumar admitted, “I don’t know about the papers and fitness. We manage it somehow.”
Exemptions and Accountability
The Motor Vehicles Act exempts government-owned vehicles from insurance requirements if they are not used for commercial purposes. However, legal experts question why police vehicles should be exempt when they share the roads with private vehicles.
Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra defended the practice, stating, “Compensation is provided as per court orders. Police vehicles are not insured at the state level, but their fitness is not compromised.”
District Prosecution Officer Rajendra Upadhyay clarified that in case of accidents, compensation is the responsibility of the driver, unless the vehicle was being used for official duty, in which case the government intervenes.
Former Director General of Police (DGP) S.C. Tripathi criticized the exemptions. “If common citizens must insure their vehicles, why not the police? The government saves money by avoiding insurance but ends up paying compensation when required. If courts start enforcing larger payouts, authorities may reconsider their stance,” he said.
Growing Public Concern
Over the past year, multiple road accidents involving government vehicles have been reported across Madhya Pradesh. Victims often face prolonged legal battles for compensation, while police vehicles continue to operate without proper documentation.
The revelations have sparked public outrage, with citizens questioning whether those responsible for upholding the law should be allowed to flout it. The issue remains a matter of debate, as demands grow for stricter oversight and compliance from law enforcement agencies.
The post MP Police Violates Traffic Laws: Vehicles Operated Without Registration, Insurance appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
