I really
appreciate the Supreme Court for its ruling on the rampant misuse of red beacon
lights on cars. I have written about an
incident of VIP movement and the subsequent disruption of life in Gangtok a
couple of weeks ago. Chennai, this used to be a normal phenomenon, not only the
VIPs but their families also abuse this privilege. They park their car wherever
they want even obstructing the traffic, they do not pay toll at the toll booths,
they speed up even in the school areas, and they disrupt the life at peak hours.
A VIP
used to park his car on the Thiruvanmiyur beach where the traffic is restricted
in the evening hours for the convenience of the walkers. But there are by-lines
where one can park the vehicle and walk two or three minutes to reach the
beach. But this guy who is coming for a ‘walk’ does not do that. He is
different because he has got red beacon light on top of his car. There is a
police booth on the beach. But police will not take action.
Now I am happy that finally our highest court woke
up to the situation and had given such a strong ruling. But I am sure that our
VVIPs and VIPs will fight for their ‘precious rights’ because beacon lights are
not mere a symbol of authority. But it gives them enormous authority to fling
the rules and do whatever they want. And
we, the LIPs (less important persons) will be the losers again.
