Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has barred use of red beacons by non-constitutional authorities. The state government has barred approximately hundred ministers and bureaucrats from using such privileges. This comes after the Supreme Court had on December 10, 2013 ruled that red beacon can only be used by high dignitaries holding constitutional posts while on duty, putting an end to its misuse by politicians and bureaucrats flaunting it as a status symbol.
The apex court also banned private individuals from using siren in their vehicles, saying it is reflective of the "Raj mentality". It had said there has been "abysmal" failure of the authorities to check misuse of red beacon and pulled up them up for their failure to prevent misuse of siren for the last 24 years.
The SC had on last week also issued notice to states and the Centre on a plea for scrapping a rule that allows use of red beacons on the vehicles of high dignitaries.
A bench headed by Justice RM Lodha asked the authorities to file response within four weeks and posted the case for hearing on March 14.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the petitioner, alleged that the Motor Vehicles Rules are against the Constitution as they creates a class of people who are entitled for red beacon which is against the concept of "republicanism".
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