In a historic decision on April 19, 2017, with effect from May 01, 2017 onwards, the Central government has banned the use of red beacon with flasher and without flasher on the top/roof of travelling vehicles of the Indian VVHPs, VIPs that also includes The President and The Prime Minster of the Union government and 29 state governments. Only the emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire tenders/engines and police cars can use flashing blue lights. The rule 108, clause III of the Central Motor Vehicles Acts of 1989 shows the list of important personnel entitled to use the red beacon.
In 2013 the SC had stated that only those holding constitutional office that is to say/i.e. the President, the Prime Minster, cabinet ministers, senior judges and some other important officials could have red beacons on their cars. Both these orders now required to be cancelled in view of the latest ban. The red beacon/red light is known as a status of symbol and as a prestige issue and its rampant use especially by some of the central and state ministers and other senior government officials became the so called ‘ Indian culture ‘ of politicians and government officials.
The red beacons are being used to by-pass the grid locked cities’ highly congested erratic slow moving traffic by few status conscious politicians and government officials on ‘official business/duties’ to show off their superficial importance. At a time, before and after the arrival of red beacon cars, the roads are blocked by the traffic police, even too early and the commuters/those travelling on vehicles by road, are side lined and kept at bay to pave the way to pass/zoom the cars holding red lights which is causing a lot of inconvenience and a long wait till the car passed. The ban of use of red light by the VIPs vehicles will certainly bring cheers to those travelling by roads and they can now save their important times.
The Union Government’s decision is most welcomed though it is belated (Better late than never) and as said by the Prime Minister, an every Indian is VIP and an important factor of the democracy. However, it is felt that the head of the nation, at least apolitical The President (if not the political Prime Minister) should have been allowed to use red beacon for warning to the people at large of his arrival at the destination.
