High Court to Petitioner: Why do you need bullbars in Delhi that has speed limit?

In a new development pertaining to the bull bar ban, the Delhi High Court has recently sought the Centre’s response on a plea that challenges the 7th December 2017 notification on slapping penalties on cars and SUVs fitted with metal crash guards or bull bars.

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A bench comprising of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar has even sought replies from the petitioner, a bull bar manufacturer, on the need for bull bars in the Capital.

“Within the city, when there is a speed limit, why do you (vehicle owners) need crash guards” the HC said while asking the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to give a response to the PIL. It may be noted here that the December 7 notification asked all the States and UTs to take action against those who have installed metal bullbars on their cars and SUVs.

It said that these crash guards/bull bars “pose serious safety concerns to pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicles.” On the other hand, the petitioner challenged the Ministry’s letter by claiming that bull bars are actually “useful safety accessories”.

The petitioner went on to say that due to the Centre’s decision to ban bull bars, his family members and those of his employers are being affected financially. Hence, he has sought a stay on this ban claiming that the Ministry’s decision has no legality. The petitioner went on to state that the bull bars do not fall under the purview of Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act as this section pertains to modification of a vehicle and not fitment of after-market accessories.

According to this Act, “No owner of a motor vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the particulars contained in the certificate of registration are at variance with those originally specified by the manufacturer.” Violation of this attracts a fine of Rs 1,000 for the first offense and Rs 2,000 on its repetition.

Via ET Auto