Satheesan’s Vehicle Modification Promise Draws Scrutiny After HC Order

Thiruvananthapuram: Those who believed VD Satheesan's election campaign promise that young people would be allowed to modify their vehicles are now facing trouble. Modifying a vehicle is legally not permissible. Satheesan had made the announcement despite existing laws under which vehicle modifications are not permitted without authorisation under central legislation. Following the Kerala High Court's recent direction to take strict action against unauthorised vehicle modifications, those who acted on Satheesan's promise and altered their vehicles are now in a difficult situation.

The court pointed out that the law in the country does not permit vehicle modifications and directed authorities to take stringent action against violations. While considering a report submitted by the Transport Commissioner, the court also stated that if multiple violations are found in a single vehicle, a fine of Rs 5,000 should be imposed for each violation.

The court directed authorities to take action against vehicles fitted with oversized tyres and made it clear that extremely bright LED lights and coloured lights should not be permitted. It also directed strict regulation of exhaust systems that produce excessive noise and flames, as they pose a safety risk. The court's direction to impose stricter penalties also came after it took note of a case in which a vehicle used for rescue operations during a flood was fined only Rs 5,000.

The High Court's intervention reinforces the argument that Satheesan's campaign promise was merely a false promise made to secure votes. The Satheesan government is openly deceiving young people and vehicle owners.