As the Aam Aadmi Party’s drive against VIP culture is catching up elsewhere, the state has silently bid adieu to beacon lights, with most officials in the city stopping use of beacon lights atop their official vehicles.
In December, the Supreme Court had directed that only ‘high dignitaries’ - president, prime minister, cabinet ministers, sitting judges of the supreme courts and others specified by central and state governments - can use beacon lights, that too, only while on duty.
Even earlier in 2013, the apex court had objected to officials flaunting it as a status symbol and had observed that the practice has to end. The state government had responded by issuing a notification, making it clear that only the governor, chief minister, cabinet ministers, chairman of legislative council, speaker of legislative assembly, chief justice and sitting judges of Karnataka High Court could have beacon lights on their official vehicles.
It was also unambiguously stated that heads of boards and corporations, chairmen of commissions and tribunals, and other government officials are barred from using the lights.
Further, the escort vehicles used for security of VIPs could use blue top light.
The transport department acted upon the order and ensured that the order is implemented strictly. “We had conducted special drives and awareness programs about it and had removed many illegal beacon lights,” said RV D’Souza, Joint Commissioner of Transport (Bangalore Urban).
Before that, sources said, nearly 1,000 ‘VIPs’ were using beacon lights illegally.
However, an official in the transport department said were yet to receive any official communication in connection with the recent Supreme Court ruling. “We have already acted in this direction. If we receive any communication regarding this, we will act accordingly.”
K Amaranarayana, Commissioner of Transport, said: “If people find any one using beacon lights illegally, they can bring it our notice. We will definitely act upon it.”
Allowed
Governor, chief minister, cabinet ministers, chairman of legislative council, speaker of legislative assembly, chief justice and sitting judges of Karnataka High Court
Not allowed
Heads of boards and corporations, chairmen of commissions and tribunals, and all government officials.
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