GR to remove barricades from all check-posts issued

Nagpur: Following a contempt notice issued by the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court, the Maharashtra home department has asked transport commissioner Shekhar Channe to remove all barricades installed at modernized integrated check-posts across the state, especially on the state borders, which were basically meant to streamline vehicle movement.
The contempt plea was filed by social worker Paramjeet Singh Kalsi after the transport commissioner’s office failed to implement the high court’s order to remove all barricades from interstate check-posts. Kalsi had filed a series of complaints with the transport department, police and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials since January 10, 2014, to remove the barricades installed without permission but officials simply ignored the complaints. Though NHAI had admitted in a reply to Kalsi that blocking or barricading road without its permission was unlawful, the transport and police officials remained mute.

Finally, in June 2015, Kalsi had to move court and filed a public interest litigation that cited three check-posts — Kandri (Nagpur), Pimpalkhuti (Yavatmal) on NH7 and at Saoner (Nagpur) on NH69 (now NH47) wherein a private agency Sadbhav Engineering Limited (SEL) was to carry out weighing of trucks, trailers and data entry at the check-posts. But the firm blocked the main road by putting barricades, thus obstructing smooth movement of traffic for non-transport vehicles.

On October 1 same year, the high court had ordered removal of all barricades. But the officials from transport department neither asked SEL to remove the barricades nor took any cognisance of the court’s order.

Recently, Kalsi filed a contempt petition in the HC. Kalsi said due to negligent attitude of the transport department, two accidents occurred after vehicles collided with the barricades between October 1, 2015 and June 26, 2018. These accidents claimed one life, while another person sustained serious injuries. Vehicles also got damaged.

Now, the home department’s additional secretary D Kadam on Monday issued a government resolution (GR) directing not to close any road by putting barricades on highways. Kadam cited National Highways (land and vehicle) Act, 2002, for the decision. Instead, the GR suggested to install barricades in zigzag way for transport vehicles heading towards modernized check-posts, while the highway should be free for non-transport vehicles.

The GR also asked the TC to ensure all facilities are made available at the modernized and computerized check-posts.

The home department has also taken serious cognisance of the allegations levelled by Kalsi that as per Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, a motor vehicle inspector shall remain present while conducting the weighing of loaded trucks and other vehicles but they are missing. Kadam has asked the TC to depute staff from the department at every such check-post and also asked them to conduct surprise checking.