Auto Drivers Union allege collection of fine despite HC stay order

Mysuru: The Samyukta Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Welfare Association has alleged that the transport authorities are collecting fine for Fitness Certificate (FC) renewal delay in violation of the High Court’s (HC) order, which has stayed collection of fine for four weeks. In a press release, the Association said that the High Court (HC) had stayed the Transport Department’s order asking the Auto, Car, Maxi cab, tempo, Lorry, Bus and other vehicles owners to pay up to Rs. 50 per day in case of a delay in the renewal of FC of the vehicles. But still, some Transport Officials were collecting the fine in violation of the HC’s stay order. However, the vehicle owners should be aware and pay only the stipulated fee for FC and get the FC certificate, the release said. It may be recalled that the members of Samyukta Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners Welfare Association had urged for extension of time by a month without fine for vehicles whose FC is done late and submitted a memorandum to the Joint Commissioner of the Transport Department Dr. C.T. Murthy in this regard recently. Advisor of the Association M.H. Kiran, told SOM that a PIL was filed in the HC seeking time to renew the FC and the HC on June 21, 2017, gave a judgement by providing 14 days time to get the FC renewed at a nominal fee. He said that the Association has urged the Joint Commissioner of the Transport Department to abide by the HC order and provide relief to vehicle owners for renewal of FC and threatened of launching a protest if the authorities failed to do so.