Halt! (Cat)astrophe can strike

H. Kishie Singh

In one of his first speeches, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that for India to prosper, we have to rid ourselves of superstition and blind faith.

That is not likely to happen just because of one speech by a concerned Prime Minister. Superstition and blind faith have been ingrained into India’s bloodstream for millennia.

So for the time being, let us make use of the power of at least one superstition.

The most oft-repeated traffic offence in India is jumping a red light.  No one, especially two-wheeler bikers, give a hoot. They zoom through, without looking left or right, inviting disaster. One superstition that Indians fear is the black cat. If a black cat crosses your path, do not proceed!

Great! In addition to a red light, a black cat should appear. With the new LED displays available, it should be easy. Maybe the black cat should be snarling.

No one is going to jump a black cat display. Motorists beware! You do not want to be the target of the black cat’s wrath! 

The new Motor Vehicles Act passed in November of last year in the Rajya Sabha has increased the penalty amount. It covers a multitude of offences, but strangely red-light jumping is not covered.

Three consequent challans and, ‘licence will be japt’ for both two wheeler and four wheeler offenders. After third time of such an offence, the licence stands cancelled pan India.

Another offence not covered under the new Motor Vehicles Act, but under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan — littering, defecating or urinating in public — will invite a hefty fine of Rs 5,000. This became effective from 30 April 2016. However, the Government’s move to have a toilet every one kilometer in the city is yet to take off. As always, they have put the cart before the horse!

I am also in possession of a letter from the Additional Commissioner Traffic, Mumbai. Here are some points that motorists should be aware of. If you are breezing down a road within the speed limit, there is no reason for a traffic policeman to flag you down just to check your documents. 

The Chandigarh Police is in variance with this observation. They say they have the right to set up naakas during the festive season because of a spate of drunken driving. Naakas in markets with heavy traffic help reduce high-speed driving and bring discipline in parking and driving.

Sometimes, they get messages from the adjoining states of a hit-and-run driver heading towards Chandigarh. This gives them the right to set up naakas. 

During events like the Student Union Elections, they have the right to stop and check for weapons, which can be a simple pix-axe handle to a gun.

 The Gheri Route is constantly under surveillance. It may or may not be for irresponsible or rash driving, but it can be to keep ‘nasties’ at bay from harassing girls.

Happy Motoring!