‘Who will keep corrupt cops in check?’

Traffic police have sought powers to suspend driving licences of repeat offenders. Mumbaikars tell DNA that it will lead to misuse of power.

Expert view
Our aim is to improve, not punish people
For the errant driver, we have enough and more fines and punishments as per the law. However, if they refuse to learn from that and continue to make mistakes then we have no option but to cancel a licence. Every department has certain duties and responsibilities, which are bestowed upon us by the constitution and law; and we have always gotten full cooperation from the RTO. People must realise that our aim is not to punish people but to improve them. If everyone abides by the law then there wouldn’t be any cases. 
—Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police (traffic)

Repeat offenders should be brought to book
Yes, motorists need to take the law more seriously and only instant and strict action will help. This should probably begin with the licence issue, which by common knowledge is a farce. How will the cops know whether a person is a repeat offender if he/she hasn’t switched to a new smart licence? In my friends circle, I am one of the rare few who actually had to drive a car at the RTO as part of the process of getting a licence. The law if implemented will serve as a deterrent. If not, there is a possibility that it will get lost in obscurity like several others.
Kairav Parikh, retail professional

Allow only RTO to revoke licences
In the past two years, the  government has made many changes in the traffic rules, which have helped reduce the number of accidents. Stricter laws and empowering traffic police will improve the situation. Officers should have the right to register a case only in case of serious offences. They must revoke licences. But, along with making such amendments in the law, they should also invest more in technology like CCTV at each signal.
Sandeep Salunke, senior researcher

It will lead to more corruption
I am skeptical about it being of any practical use. If a person has a fight with a traffic policeman, he can fabricate records and label him as ‘repeat offender’ and can misuse the power. Almost everyone in their lifetime is caught for breaking rules, some of them pay the fine and rest bribe their way out. Also, I don't think the rule would make any difference in the traffic scenario of the city, apart from filling policemen pockets, even more.
Abhinay Khoparzi, freelancer

Cops will strike gold with the power
Even for s small offence, policemen take bribes of Rs50 and Rs100, and let the person go without a challan. All I can think of is that with this power to revoke a licence given to them, their demands will only increase. Therefore, the authorities must make sure that the corruption is eradicated from the system before implementing proposals.  As for repeat offenders, the policemen should be given the power to revoke liences, but for not more than a month or so.
Parvez Kapadia, management student

Ensure that policemen stop taking bribes
This just means that the harassment and corruption of RTO will get new wings. People will surely be vary of breaking rules if they see it being implemented in form of suspension of licences. Hopefully, it should bring down the number of repeat offenders. There is a need for proper rules to be implemented on Mumbai roads. I believe that first the policemen should be educated about the laws and rules. Once they stop taking bribes and start honestly punishing the offenders, these strict guidelines won’t be needed. 
Praful Baweja, proprietor