Motorists in Mumbai have for long been complaining about being randomly interrupted by a traffic policeman and checked for PUC and insurance papers for the vehicle. As per fresh directive from Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), the order directs officials not to check PUC and Insurance papers until further notice. The move is aimed at rooting out corruption and emphasizing that constables start using the e-challan system only for offences.
The notification states instances of constables asking for documents that have often led to arguments, which often ends with bribing the official. The e-challan system is aimed at ensuring that motorists follow traffic rules, to enforce discipline to the city’s traffic as well as to implement the cashless system. Even though there has been a clear directive, the department is receiving complaints that officers and constables are not maintaining transparency during action.
Reports indicate that a separate disciplinary team has also been setup which will report to assistant commissioner. As for action against the policemen, the team will look into it in accordance to instructions from the traffic chief. Moreover, it is believed that in the past too, the constables had been asked to refrain from asking for PUC papers, which for obvious reasons had not translated into reality on ground.
