The Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), representing four-wheeler and two-wheeler owners, has formally requested the Maharashtra traffic police and the state transport department to organise a Lok Adalat in Mumbai. This with at least one month’s advance notice to vehicle owners and the association. This initiative, the WIAA said, will allow for the settlement of pending fines in a fair and transparent manner.
A Lok Adalat means a ‘People’s Court’ or ‘People’s Tribunal’ and was created as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in India to resolve disputes/grievances outside the conventional court system. WIAA has expressed its willingness to host the Lok Adalat and provide a platform for vehicle owners to voice their grievances.
The offer to host has been sparked after many from WIAA’s 80,000 Mumbai members raised concerns about being penalised unfairly. The WIAA spokesperson stated, “We have been receiving at least eight calls daily of late, with owners saying they are unfairly penalised. We have now advised our members to email us with a copy of the challan. Even a one-minute parking, often to facilitate somebody alighting from a vehicle, results in photographs being taken and a hefty fine of `1500 being imposed. Vehicle owners believe such penalties feel like a targeted drive rather than genuine enforcement.”
Nitin Dossa, WIAA executive chairman, said, “Our association has always stood for road safety and discipline. Most importantly, there must be justice. From the complaints we receive, we discern that vehicle owners feel helpless when fines are imposed without consideration of genuine circumstances. A Lok Adalat will give citizens a fair chance to explain their side and resolve disputes amicably. WIAA is ready to facilitate this initiative by hosting it so that both the authorities and the public can work together in a spirit of cooperation rather than conflict.”
Dossa explained that by ‘hosting’ means the automobile body can book a hall and make arrangements for the Lok Adalat. He added, “We urge the Mumbai Traffic Police and Transport Department to consider this proposal and announce the dates for a Lok Adalat at the earliest, ensuring adequate public notice. Such an initiative will not only reduce the backlog of pending fines but also help build confidence and goodwill between enforcement agencies and the motoring public.”
The WIAA has also written a letter dated September 8 addressed to Anil Kumbhare, Jt Commissioner of Police, Traffic. The WIAA at the outset has requested an appointment to come and meet him to discuss three points.
Points cited are:
>> Traffic police click photos even if the car is parked for a minute for an occupant to get out and is not obstructing any traffic
>> It seems police have been given a target, and they click photos randomly
>> The Truckers Union has asked for relief in fines
>> WIAA has received complaints from members about random clicking of photos by the traffic police to meet their target
>> WIAA requests you to have a special Lok Adalat, which the association is willing to host for those motorists who have been fined, and settle the cases
mid-day tried to contact Kumbhare but he did not answer calls for a reaction or perspective on the same.
80,000
No of WIAA members in Mumbai
