PIL seeks fast-track steps to clear backlog of RCs, DLs

The “undue and unreasonable delay" in the issuance of Registration Certificates (RCs) and Driving Licences (DLs) to purchasers of vehicles in Punjab today came under judicial scanner with the filing of a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Among other things, petitioner Neha Sharma is seeking immediate judicial intervention against the delay citing violation of statutory rights and severe legal consequences for vehicle users.

In her petition placed before the Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel, the petitioner urged the high court to issue directions to the authorities concerned for adopting fast-track measures to clear the growing backlog. She emphasises that vehicle users across the state were suffering, not just due to the inconvenience but also because the delay attracted penal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act and negated valid insurance claims in the event of mishaps.

Flagging the matter as one of widespread public importance, the petitioner contended that masses at large were being forced to ply vehicles without valid documents. Listing the legal and practical implications of the delay, the petitioner submitted that it exposed the vehicle owners to criminal liability and rendering insurance coverage invalid. Individuals using vehicles without valid documents were, rather, exposed to penal action and mental agony.

It also noted that the ones most severely impacted included residents travelling daily between Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for professional or personal reasons.

The petition attributed the inordinate delay to a “huge backlog in printing” following shortage of the smart cards, arising from alleged inefficiency in the functioning of the Transport Department. Taking up the matter, the Bench fixed the case for further hearing on May 19.