The Delhi High Court was informed by the city government on Monday that it has decided to videograph practical tests for motor vehicle licences to bring more transparency in the process of issuing driving permits.
A Bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar was informed that the entire exercise was put into operation starting Monday in all 13 zonal offices of the Transport Department, and an agency has been appointed to record the video.
The Transport Department also apprised the court that the video will be uploaded on its website.
The court said the step will bring in more transparency in the mechanism and will go a long way in allaying apprehensions of graft. It directed the Delhi government to file a compliance status report in eight weeks.
The government had earlier told the court that it has taken steps to control issuance of fake licences and has also revoked licences granted improperly.
Motor Vehicle Act
The Transport Department had displayed the list of revoked licences on its website and has taken steps to ensure compliance with provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, it said.
The court was hearing a petition filed by activist Pawan Kumar, who has alleged that some corrupt officials of the State Transport Department were issuing driving licences to untrained and unskilled people in exchange for hefty bribes.
His plea alleged there has been a spike in the number of fatal accidents due to issuance of direct heavy transport vehicle driving licences to unskilled persons.
Contending that this practice has been on since 1997, Mr. Kumar sought a CBI probe into so that erring officials are dealt with in accordance with law.
