Delhi Police today told the Delhi High Court that it has directed its traffic department to take strict action against the Gramin Sewa autos found violating the permit conditions while plying in the national capital.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw was informed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) that they have impounded 5,103 Gramin Sewa vehiles which were found flouting rules.
"All the Assistant Commissioners, Traffic Inspectors and Zonal Officers in the traffic department have been directed to take strict action against the Gramin Sewa vehicles found violating the permit condition and ensure compliance of the High Court order," the affidavit file by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said.
He said 5,103 such vehicles have been seized between January 1, 2015 to February 20, 2015 by the department, which were found plying without the permits, drunk and driving, dangerous driving and improper parking besides many others, which are strictly prohibited under Motor Vehicle Act.
The traffic police filed their response through Standing Counsel Zubeda Begum after the high court had on January 7 pulled up Delhi government for filing an incomplete reply on the status of Gramin Sewa autos plying in the national capital.
The court's order had come on a PIL alleging violation of plying rules by Gramin Seva autos in the capital.
The PIL, filed by advocates Vijay Dahiya and Ankur Kumar Mishra, has sought directions to Delhi government to take appropriate measures to ensure that Gramin Sewa autos follow all rules and regulations.
The court has fixed the matter for further hearing on April 29.
The plea has contended that Delhi Transport Department and the Traffic Police have turned a blind eye to vehicles plying under the Gramin Sewa Scheme which were flouting traffic regulations and posing a danger to the safety of commuters.
Terming these autos as "death machines," the plea has claimed that these vehicles carry 15 people while the actual capacity, including that of the driver, was just seven.
