No red beacons for MLAs, MPs: CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 23

Legislators and MPs will have to contend with amber beacon lights with flashers as Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today ruled out the possibility of allowing red lights, at least for the time being.

“The decision to allow MLAs, MPs, senior officers and district judges to use amber beacon lights atop their vehicles has been taken keeping in mind the Supreme Court directions and also that our neighbouring states, including Punjab and Haryana, have allowed the use of amber lights,” he said.

The Chief Minister said there was no move to reconsider the decision and only if at some later stage new developments took place, the government could consider it. It was in March earlier this year that the government decided to strictly enforce the directives.

The MLAs from the ruling Congress and the BJP had expressed their displeasure at being allowed the use of amber lights. Their contention was that if the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) could be allowed red beacon, they should also get the same colour beacon.

Though the notification is yet to be issued, the discontented MLAs have decided to approach the Chief Minister again. Now it remains to be seen whether they will use amber beacons or still strive for red beacons.