Maharashtra government mulls over colour of beacons for security vehicles

Following the apex court directions to remove beacons and sirens from vehicles of VIPs and give them only to constitutional functionaries, the state government is preparing to issue new guidelines about colour to be used by security and enforcement agencies, including the police. A panel will decide in a day or two on what colour or combination of colours be assigned to various agencies.

The state had decided to restrict use of red light with flashers to only VVIPs — governor, chief minister, his deputy and Opposition leaders.

“Even IAS officials will lose red beacons after the apex court’s orders,” said a transport department official. “Security and enforcement agencies can now have beacons but not red. No police official, however high-ranking, can now get a red beacon.

The Supreme Court had also directed state governments to not enlarge list of VIPs who are to be given red beacons.

The Supreme Court’s order came after a public interest litigation was filed on the rampant misuse of red beacons as a status symbol.