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Modi’s oratory skills are par excellence-Part II

Narenndra Modi, Independence day speech, modi speech,Modi never makes the speech about himself but makes the audience as the winners. When he gives long speeches without reading any script, it makes the audience feel that he has worked hard for the speech and that he knows a great deal about the topic he is speaking on. He gives justice to the topic and is rich in either facts or substance.  He always stays confident, knows he’s perfect in what he’s gonna say, and stays calm while speaking. He as a politician knew that till the time he doesn’t have full command over Hindi, it may not be easy to succeed at national level politics. He practiced in the Nursery of RSS and came out to be too good a student. He is an exceptional speaker and his speeches would make you a fan of his public speaking irrespective of your political views. He always takes care about the points while giving speeches like motivating the Crowd, letting the Audience Respond and allowing them to complete their reaction, using trendy examples to make his point, using hand gestures to signify his message, makes eye contact with his audience, uses the right body language and the right tone of voice and also emphasis or stress on the important words.

Modi’s charisma and oration is fifty per cent inborn, that’s talent given God. The rest of Fifty per cent is acquired by his necessity to uphold his political position as ministers and defendant of BJP which took fifty plus years. His rivals either lack the skill or find it tasteless to attack him on his expensive watches, clothes, shoes and sunglasses. His public speeches also incessantly harp on corruption and successfully repeats the claim that he alone stands against corruption while the corrupt has ganged up against him.

Good speakers like Modi open a speech with a dramatic statement and end with an impression that makes the audiences want to applaud. Modi’s orator skill reveals the fact that eloquence is of great importance in public life. In parliaments, it may be said to supersede many qualities. Knowledge and mastery as well as marshalling of facts are surely necessary for the parliamentarian. A man is naturally eloquent who has strength of convictions. But it is now admitted that the power of oratory is not just a gift of the gab; it is open to acquisition through devotion and can be picked up by intensive practice. It is also clear that the orator must be able to adopt his art to the needs of a situation—to the audience and its mood.

He has style and creates impact with his ability to use voice modulation and well chosen words. He has a great ability to repeat words to make them stick and he knows well as to how to play to the gallery. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was considered to be the most admired orator of the modern times. Now after such a long gap, Modi has been a good candidate to step into their shoes. He has a high sense of understanding to address the crowd’s mentality. He has also been able to project himself as a good, efficient and an able administrator. His victory speech impresses the audience with the popular image of the Hindu ascetic devoted to the nation’s cause.  He could grip the audience for hours together with his speech.

He has a very good vocabulary and is able to think on his feet in a logical manner. Perhaps the biggest trait of his speeches though is that he comes across as someone who is very believable, someone who will follow through and deliver on the promises, and someone who has no self-interest but only the interest of the people of India.

Also Read: Modi’s oratory skills are par excellence-Part I


(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

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ISRO chief K Sivan said, ‘Vikram lander’ located on Lunar surface

K Sivan, ISRO, Lunar, Chandrayaan 2, ISRO Chief, Vikram lander, Vikram, Orbit

The Chandrayaan-2s Vikram module has been located on the Lunar surface and it must have been a hard-landing, ISRO chairman K Sivan said Sunday.

“Yes, we have located the lander on the Lunar surface. It must have been a hard-landing,” Sivan told the agency.

Asked if the lander was ‘damaged’ during the ‘hard-landing,’ he said, “That we do not know.”

Sivan said efforts to establish contact with the lander were continuing.

India’s mission to soft-land on moon suffered a setback during the wee hours on Saturday, with Chandrayaan-2’s ‘Vikram’ module losing communication with ground stations, just 2.1 km from the lunar surface during its final descent.

Eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani passes away at 95

Ram Jethmalani passes away,Ram Jethmalani,jethmalani,lawyerEminent jurist and former Union minister Ram Jethmalani passed away on Sunday at the age of 95, his family members said. He died a few days before his 96th birthday on September 14. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and country’s several top leaders condoled the demise of Ram Jethmalani.  PM Modi said that the country has lost an exceptional lawyer and an iconic figure who made rich contributions in courts and Parliament.

Jethmalani breathed his last at 7.45 am at his official residence in New Delhi.

Ram Jethmalani was not keeping well for a few months. His son, Mahesh said his father’s last rites will be performed at the Lodhi road crematorium here. Besides Mahesh Jethmalani, the former Union minister is survived by his daughter based in the US. His other daughter, Rani Jethmalani, died in 2011.

Jethmalani was the Union law minister and also the Urban development minister during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government. He also served as the Supreme Court Bar Association president in 2010. He was born in Shikarpur in Sindh province (now in Pakistan) on September 14, 1923 and obtained a law degree at the age of 17.

“Saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Jethmalani, former Union Minister and a veteran lawyer. He was known to express his views on public issues with his characteristic eloquence. The nation has lost a distinguished jurist, a person of great erudition and intellect,” the President’s Secretariat tweeted.

Venkaiah Naidu, in his tweet, said Jethmalani was “one of the brilliant minds of Bharat” and in his death the nation has lost “a distinguished jurist, a great intellectual and a patriot, who was active till his last breath”.

Modi said Jethmalani was “witty, courageous and never shied away from boldly expressing himself on any subject”.

“In the passing away of Shri Ram Jethmalani Ji, India has lost an exceptional lawyer and iconic public figure who made rich contributions both in the Court and Parliament,” the prime minister tweeted.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh also condoled the demise of Jethmalani, saying in his death India has lost “an eminent jurist, an able administrator and a seasoned parliamentarian”.

Other senior leaders from across the political spectrum joined in paying homage to the veteran jurist who was widely respected for his legal acumen and incisive thinking.

Home Minister Amit Shah described his passing away as an “irreparable loss” to the entire legal community. “Deeply pained to know about the passing away of India’s veteran lawyer and former Union Minister Shri Ram Jethmalani ji. In him we have not only lost a distinguished lawyer but also a great human who was full of life,” he tweeted. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Jethmalani made valuable contribution to the legal field.

Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy also tweeted to express his condolences. “My friend turned foe turned very good friend Ram Jethmalani passed away today at 95 years age. Farewell friend,” he said.

Senior Congress leaders too joined in paying rich tributes to him describing him as “fearless” and a “crusader in both law and politics”.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also expressed grief over the demise of the eminent jurist and extended her condolences to his family and friends.

“Ram Jethmalani is no more. A crusader in both law and politics he stood steadfastly for the causes he took up. His knowledge in criminal law was matched by none,” senior lawyer and Congress leader Kapil Sibal tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also tweeted to offer tributes, saying, “Extremely saddened at the passing away of legendary lawyer Ram Jethmalani ji. An institution in himself, he shaped criminal law in post-independence India. His void would never be filled and his name will be written in golden words in legal history. RIP Ram sir”.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted: “Deep grief at the passing away of Ram Jethmalani. He was a dear friend, fellow Parliamentarian and a legal legend. Deepest condolences to his family and the large number of friends and admirers”.

Attorney General K K Venugopal said the country has lost its finest lawyer who was bold and handled the most sensational criminal cases and constitutional matters.

Opposition leader Sharad Yadav said Jethmalani was a “very good friend of mine” and in fact he was “a friend of friends”.

“He was a fighter who used to contest with tremendous energy, knowledge and logics not only in Courts but also in Parliament and public forums. He was a great thinker, philanthropist and always ready to help friends not only in the Courts but in general also,” Yadav said in his condolence message.

Letters to the Editor: 08 September, 2019

FEATURE LETTER DIARY 679x400 e1545637164261ISRO should focus on Chandrayaan-2 orbiter

It was disappointing to know the status of Vikram lander on the Moon’s South Pole with India making a very first attempt to land over there. However with Chandrayaan-2 orbiter still being active and involved in its continuous path, it brings cheers and hopes to many people.

The losing of contact prior with Vikram to landing at Moon resulted in failure of ISRO to accomplish the mission. The entire nation stood by ISRO and was well overwhelmed by brilliant efforts to prepare Chandrayaan-2 including Vikram and Pragyan. It is overwhelming to know that ISRO has garnered high support and wishes across various sections of the society including the science community, bollywood, sports and political leadership.

ISRO should now look ahead and focus on its existing active mission i.e. Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and data analysis to determine the cause of failure. The efforts put up by ISRO and others involved in this mission is highly appreciated. The Hon’ble PM gesture towards ISRO Chief over the failure demonstrates leadership in spirit of fairness in a game. However such emotional outbursts should be avoided in a public domain and instead the team should put up a brave face to the entire world and should accept the failures in the right spirit of the game.

Varun Dambal

 

GST authorities should clarify on undue GST-demand made by private builder-groups

It is quite usual that private builder-groups are charging GST on previously booked units (flats, apartments, villas etc) at the old increased GST rate of 12-percent as was before 31.03.2019, even if these units are completed and allotted after 01.04.2019 when GST-rate was reduced to 5-per cent. This is despite the fact that agreements signed clearly mention that the total price would be inclusive of taxes and cesses applicable on date of agreement with a condition that any decrease in taxes and cess, the booking company shall refund the excess amount charged at old increased GST-rate. There are instances where GST was reduced from 12-per cent to 5-per cent w.e.f. 01.04.2019 and the project was not completed till 31.03.2019. GST on such booked unit must have been revised to 5-per cent from earlier 12-per cent calculated a time of booking. These builder-groups are also not giving benefit of Input-Tax-Credit (ITC) enjoyed by the builder.

GST-authorities should look into the matter, and publicise that reduced GST-slab at 5-per cent may be charged for units completed and handed over after 31.03.2019 instead of 12-per cent GST-rate prevailing at time of booking before 31.03.2019, and also provide benefit enjoyed by the builders under Input-Tax-Credit (ITC) provisions.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal


(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

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MNS party worker arrested for assaulting cops in Palghar

handcuff,hathkadi,arrested,mns worker,mns,palghar
Representational Image

A Maharashtra Navnirman Sena functionary was held on Saturday for allegedly manhandling policemen during Ganpati celebrations in Vangaon area of Palghar district, an official said.

Vangaon police assistant inspector Rakesh Pagare identified the accused as Mohsin Noor Mohammad Shaikh who claimed to be the deputy district head of MNS‘ Dahanu unit.

“Late Friday night we received a call that some people were gambling at a Ganpati pandal. We reached there and detained some people. While they were being taken to the police station, Shaikh came and misbehaved and manhandled some of the police staff present,” he said.

Shaikh was arrested under section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the IPC and remanded in judicial custody, he added.

Can tourism be promoted by mortgaging heritage?

Maharashtra Forts Heritage Marriage Hall,Save Forts,MonumentsFollowing the footsteps of Rajasthan and neighbouring Goa, Maharashtra government has decided to convert historical forts of the state into heritage hotels and wedding venues. The state government believes that this will boost tourism as well as revenue of the exchequer. As of now, 25 forts have been recognised for this purpose. On the other hand, opposition leaders have lashed out at Fadnavis government and questioned its decision regarding marketing the valour of great warriors of the state.

It is worth mentioning that there are 350 forts in Maharashtra, out of which around 100 forts are in protected list of the Archaeological survey of India (ASI).  Nowadays, palace and fort hotels have become popular as venues of destination weddings. On September 3, the state Cabinet approved new heritage policy. It allows the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to lease out state-owned forts which are not in ASI list. These forts will be converted into residential hotels and venues for weddings and entertainment shows.

Maharashtra’s Tourism Secretary Vinita Vaid-Singhal said, “We don’t plan to touch heritage forts which have historical value and are protected under the ASI like the Raigad fort. The state government has already budgeted over Rs 500 crore for its upgradation.”

Singhal further stated that there are many which are not in the protected list which are frequented by people for picnics, hiking , etc. These are blessed with beautiful landscape and have history and tradition and can be used for tourism as we want to give impetus to the local economy. She made it clear that the policy also makes it clear that the local flora and fauna will be protected and no permanent constructions in these forts will be allowed. Social events which fit into the fabric of Maharashtra’s political life will be allowed.

Meanwhile, NCP MP Supriya Sule and Amol Kolhe and MLA Jitendra Awhad have openly criticised the Fadnavis government’s decision. Social media is also witnessing disapproval of youths in this regard.

NCP MP Supriya Sule tweeted, “The Forts in Maharashtra depict the valour of great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and our glorious history. Strongly oppose Maharashtra Government’s decision of converting Forts into Heritage hotels and wedding venues.”

NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad tweeted, “Shocking …. It’s a part of history sentimentally linked with every #MarathiManoos a sad story they talk of taking blessings of #ShivajiMaharaj and on the other hand want to destroy the forts for materlistic gains . #shame.”

Dhananjay Amberkar a resident of Andheri said, “The government has forgotten that several people have laid their lives for the protection of forts. Tanaji had sacrificed his life for the protection of forts where wedding event will be organised. The government has decided to convert historical forts into heritage hotels and wedding venues. If the government fails to rethink over its decision then we will protest against it. If wedding function and other events are held on these forts then we will try to prohibit them.”

By Dipti Joshi

Preserve monuments for tourism purpose

The Maharashtra Government has approved historical forts not in the Archaeological survey of India protected list will be used for promoting tourism. A monument takes a considerable amount of real estate and funding. Even with unlimited funds you are limited by available real estate for building/erecting monuments. We want to keep maintaining cultural heritage because this is the happiest way to keeping in touch with the dead. By performing a certain dance, singing a song, eating certain foods we get close to our ancient cultures. It helps us to remember who we are and who we are answers a lot of questions about our current behaviours and even physical or medical conditions. Maintaining cultural heritage reminds us the bad past as well as the good. With the approval of Heritage Tourism people can celebrate via food, arts, fashion, beauty and literature.

Continuing the cultural heritage will build self-confidence in their children about identity and lifestyles. Others believe it is a way to appreciate what our ancestors did for us and by giving thanks we are encouraged to continue to thrive and prosper. A society will come together to build a monument that has meaning and speaks to (hopefully) the entire populace. It says a great deal about what the citizens value and what they consider important. This move will give push to the local economy. There are about 350 forts in Maharashtra and the state government has already budgeted over Rs 500 crore for its up gradation. The forts are blessed with beautiful landscape and have history and tradition and can be used for tourism that can generate revenue, job opportunities and adequate funds for maintenances. These forts will also be used as wedding venues and heritage hotels, the local flora and fauna will be protected and no permanent constructions in the forts will be allowed. Social events, which fit into the fabric of Maharashtra’s political life, will be allowed. Not all are happy with this idea of allowing marriages and parties in forts and monuments because it will become a routine event place than the heritage value to it. Some are of the opinion that,

our monuments are the standing examples of our heritage and culture. Everybody is aware of this, yet some people just don’t seem to care. So,allowing marriages and party like event we might invite many challenges ahead.

Scribbling on walls rather engraving on the stone with “xyz loves xyz” and spitting, peeing on walls is nothing new. There are monuments, which do not have any security all around the monument because of its size and this leads to ignorant people destroying the monument. There are many forts in Mumbai, which are ignored and isolated, and those have become drug peddlers den. Some even do flesh trading; some have built small shacks inside and residing the way they wish to be. I don’t know if it’s a misuse of a monument but I do know that’s not how people are supposed to behave. And nobody is there to control them or to ask them to leave. They were not even there to look at the monument. They don’t even know how important are these places towards our heritage. It’s sad that only the presence of security and cameras all around keeps people from destroying the monuments. That might sound like an odd way for a historic preservationist to answer a question about preserving the past. But preservation of any sort- be it cultural or societal values, historic properties, or wildlife and natural landscapes- ultimately depends on what the people who compose that culture and society value. That is not only hard to pin down to start with- after all, we’re seven billion people and counting, all with different ideas and backgrounds- and it also changes over time. The recent (and certainly ongoing) furore over Confederate monuments in India is a perfect example. There is a document called the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Evaluation of Historic Properties. It contains guidelines that determine if an object is historically significant. And so some cities have actually ignored these monuments that may be historically significant in of them, because those monuments no longer represent that city’s values. Some cities have opted to leave these monuments in place and forget. And that same idea goes for anything we can “preserve” – nature preserves, historic houses, all the wonderful works on displayed in the form of structure. They provide context. They link us in the present- and those in the future- with historic periods of history, with important people in history, with our ideals, with past architectural styles and ways of living, with important events in history.

Monuments to men, women, and events reminded whoever put them in place of someone or something they deemed extremely important. They symbolised pride of place and time. Today, we might see them as anachronisms, as belonging to the past. Yet their meaning, their symbolism probably influenced our history, and therefore our current lives. Instead of seeing these monuments as parts of forgotten history, figure out how that person or event changed the world. You don’t have to be a history buff to learn from the past, only willing to see beyond what is happening today. Instead of keeping these heritage structures for marriages, party and ceremony they should be maintained for tourism purpose, they should be maintained for education purpose they should be kept open for exhibitions and excursions.


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Will be inhumane & politically suicidal if rest of J&K and India continue to ditch Kashmiris

Kashmir Article 370,jammu, kashmir,article 370, article 35AThe 3 weeks of serious violation of fundamental & human rights of Kashmiris (by way of their detentions, arrests, lock-down, denial of their rights of expression, assembly, work, communication etc) is not only inhumane but it is also politically suicidal for the people of rest of J&K and rest of India because they have ditched the Kashmiris (at this hour of grave threat to the essentials of the very existence of the Kashmiris) which Kashmiris will never forget especially when rest of J&K and rest of India can easily come to their rescue (as mentioned below) but are not doing so:-

(1)- The HR-friendly rest of J&K and rest of India including political (opposition), social and religious organizations are making noises for bringing relief to these beleaguered & illegally-harassed Kashmiris but it is not yielding any result for the simple reason that they are proverbially barking at the wrong trees.

​(2)- Rather they should immediately file writ petition in J&K High Court (under Article 226) and in Supreme Court of India (under Article 32 of the Constitution) praying before the Court to urgently hear and decide HR issues in Kashmir and GOI’s illegal (because against IoA) legislation (the cause of Kashmir lock-down) about Article 370, 35-A and bifurcation of J&K in two union territories.

(3)- Many people have filed such writ petitions but these have not yielded any result so far for the benefit of these beleaguered & illegally-harassed Kashmiris for the simple reason that these writ petitions have not been filed on the basis of plebiscite mandated by ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA). Hence now writ petition should filed as given below:-

(i)-  The arguments against illegal legislation done by Government of India (GOI) about Article 370, 35-A and bifurcation of J&K in two union territories can be given as have been given by other petitioners also in their writ petitions. Such as, it is unconstitutional because before amending Article 370 and repealing Article 35-A and before converting a State into two union territories the will / consent of the people of J&K has not been obtained etc. etc.

(ii)- But mainly it is the argument about plebiscite mandated by ‘Instrument of Accession’ (IoA) which will bring success to these new writ petitions. Hence petitioners should plead that it is written in IoA  –“[My Dear Maharajah Sahib, Your Highness’s letter dated the 26th October, has been delivered to me by Mr. V.P. Menon. In the special circumstances, mentioned by your Highness, my Government have decided to accept the Accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. Consistently with their policy that, in the case of my State where the issue of Accession has been the subject of dispute, the question of Accession Should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the State, it is my Government’s wish that, as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir, and her soil cleared of the invader, the question of the State’s Accession should be settled by a reference to the people. Yours Sincerely Sd/- Mountbatten of Burma]”

(iii)- That the Ex-Ruler of J&K the Maharaja Hari Singh, and both the legislatures (of Union of India and of J&K)  have no right to decide about accession of J&K, because as per IoA this right of accession lies exclusively with the people of united J&K [J&K and Pakistan occupied J&K (PoJK) combined]. Moreover as per IoA the people of J&K have nothing to do even with United Nations rather it is the responsibility of India to get free & fair plebiscite by getting the soil of united J&K cleared of Pak invaders (including non-citizens of united J&K) and after getting law & order restored in united J&K and how India does it is India’s headache whether by its own or through UN or by getting military help from any friendly country.

(iv)- That the link between India & J&K is not through Article 370 and 35-A but through IoA as these Articles came in existence much after IoA. The purpose of Article 370, 35-A are two folds. (A)- To ensure outsiders-free J&K to facilitate free & fair plebiscite and (B)- Pending plebiscite, for the purpose of managing J&K politically, administratively and legally ONLY as per the wishes of the people of J&K as expressed by laws made by legislature of J&K and as per the laws and Constitution of India applicable to J&K to the extend consented by the legislature of J&K as per Article 370. On one hand India is under legal obligation to ensure outsiders-free PoJK in the interest of free & fair plebiscite in united J&K and on other hand India has paved the way for outsiders entry in J&K by amending Article 370 and by repealing Article 35-A of the Constitution which is unconstitutional & illegal because it is against the letter & spirit of IoA.

(v)- Therefore the petitioners in these writ petitions should pray before the Court that:-

(A)- Repeal the Article 1 (3) (a) of The Constitution of India and PART II THE STATE (3) of the Constitution of J&K [which illegally show J&K as Indian territory (like any other State of India) and even an integral part of India without any mention of the condition of plebiscite to decide the territory of J&K as per ‘Instrument of Accession’].

(B)- Recommend to President of India and to Governor of J&K that they under Article 86 (2) of the Indian Constitution and under Article 54 (2) of the Constitution of J&K respectively may send message to Parliament to incorporate in such repealed parts of the Constitution of India that – [As per ‘Instrument of Accession’ the fate of territory of J&K will be decided after plebiscite which will be carried out by Union of India after ensuring, in united J&K, the conditions conducive for carrying out such plebiscite].

(C)- Quash Ministry of Law & Justice (Legislative Department) notification New Delhi, the 5th August, 2019 G.S.R .551(E).— the Order made by the President which was published for general information and The Constitution (Application to J&K)  Order, 2019 C.O. 272 and repeal the subsequent amendment of Article 370 by Parliament and Repeal ‘Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019’

(D)- (In view of delay of 71 years and resultant immense killings, injuries and sufferings due to chronic & gory so-called Kashmir problem) direct the GOI  to get plebiscite in united J&K at the earliest possible after ensuring in united J&K the conditions conducive for carrying out such plebiscite required by IoA.

Here it is needless to say that if the Courts do not urgently hear and decide these HR issues in Kashmir and GOI’s illegal (because against IoA) legislation (the cause of Kashmir lock-down) about Article 370, 35-A and bifurcation of J&K in two union territories (which have made the lives of Kashmiris practically impossible) then the HR-friendly rest of J&K and rest of India should constrain Courts to do it by protest and demonstrations against these Courts which may maximum bring imprisonment for few months for Contempt of Court and which should not be a big deal for HR-activists and political parties especially in view of the fact that the Kashmiris will never forget this help and will ever be grateful to such HR-friendly rest of J&K and rest of India.


(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

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Plea seeking live telecast or recording of Ayodhya case be listed before CJI: SC

Supreme-Court-Ayodhya,ayodhya,cji,ranjan gogoi, supreme courtThe Supreme Court on Friday said a plea seeking live telecast or recording of the hearing in the Ayodhya land dispute case be listed before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by the CJI is hearing the Ayodhya land dispute case.

The plea, filed by former RSS ideologue K N Govindacharya seeking live streaming or recording of the Ayodhya case proceedings, came up before a bench of justices R F Nariman and Surya Kant.

The bench after hearing the brief submission of senior advocate Vikas Singh, who was representing Govindacharya, said the matter should come up for hearing before a bench presided over by the CJI.

Motor Vehicles Act 2019

New Traffic Rules

The government has enforced the new traffic rules. People are ready to follow these new rules but they are asking for good roads in Mumbai. On the other hand, four states Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal have opposed it. These four states have refused to implement the new provisions of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019. The Motor Vehicles Act 2019 – with revised fine rates- came into existence with effect from Sunday. The act levies heavy fine for violation of rules. While people not wearing helmets or seat-belts will be fined Rs 1,000, which was Rs 100 earlier, those driving without a licence can be fined Rs 5,000 or asked to face three-month jail term.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said that steep penalties under the amended Motor Vehicles Act are not meant to collect fines but to ensure that people do not violate the law. Gadkari said, “There is a misconception among people. If they abide by the laws, there will be no fine imposed. The law has not been imposed to collect fines. It has been brought into force so that people take traffic rules seriously and do not violate them.”

The Rajasthan government says it is considering providing practical relief to violators of the amended Motor Vehicles Act from hefty penalty charges. Rajasthan Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas said, “Motorcycle is the common transport vehicle of the common man. It is not practically feasible to impose hefty fine on it. In some cases the penalty is more than cost of the vehicle.”

The Gujarat government said that high fines do not seem feasible and they will implement the new rules after receiving report from the RTO.

Amar Mehta, a Borivali resident said, “The increase in fine for flouting traffic rules will only pave way for more corruption. People will pay small amount of Rs 100 to traffic police and get away. It is necessary to create awareness among motorists about traffic rules first before imposing hefty fines.”

Under the new rules Rs 10,000 fine will be levied for not giving way to emergency vehicles Rs 10000 for driving despite disqualification. Aggregators violating driving licence will be fined upto Rs 1 lakh. A tractor-trolley driver in Haryana’s Gurugram was fined a whopping Rs 59,000 for flouting several traffic norms. The fine amount was calculated according to the newly amended Motor Vehicles Act. The amendments have significantly increased fines for various traffic offences with the aim of making Indian roads safer. The Gurugram tractor-trolley driver’s case is the latest in a series of similar incidents in which drivers have been heavily fined for flouting traffic norms.

Sudhir Joshi, a Kandivali resident said, “The newly amended Motor Vehicles Act will go a long way to nab violators of traffic rules. Often motorists annoy people by installing horns. Strict punishments should be awarded to those flouting traffic rules instead of merely imposing fines.”

“Earlier violators used to get away by paying Rs 100 to traffic police. But now we don’t know how much fine amount will be charged by the traffic police. The government must take steps to reduce vehicular traffic. Already 80 per cent of the city’s roads are filled with potholes. Instead of resolving potholes issue the government has increased fines. “

In Gurgaon, an auto driver was handed over a challan of Rs 32,500 after he was found to have jumped red light signal and in Bhubaneswar a drunk autorickshaw driver was fined Rs 47,500.

After being passed in the Lok Sabha a few weeks earlier the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill came into effect on Sunday. The new bill was passed to amend the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act 1988 which was tabled in the house back in 2017 but was not cleared in the upper house and eventually got lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. The Act provides for grant of licences and permits related to motor vehicles, standards for motor vehicles and penalties for violation of these provisions.