A San Diego-based woman on Thursday told the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that she was shocked after the police towed her car from Sarojini Nagar market and she was fined by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
Copy of challan
“There were no signboards stating that it is a no-parking zone or tow-away zone. I am an NRI. How do I know whether it was a no-parking area? Only my car was towed away and I was fined ₹1,000. Even after that I was told that I have to appear before the court,” said Merry Benny Williams, whose family lives in Dwarka and runs an orphanage.
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Producing a copy of the challan issued to her by the Corporation, Ms. Williams said, “Why do you allow civilians to suffer? I had come here for a holiday but now I have to appear in court.”
Other cars
She added, “I am a law-abiding person. Why will I park the car in an area which is a no-parking zone? Had I violated the law, I would have no problem paying the fine. But I parked it there only because there were no signboards and other cars were parked there as well.” Ms. Williams was visiting the market with her sister when the incident happened.
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Counsel denies charge
However, the counsel appearing for the NDMC informed the green panel that signboards had already been installed and the area barricaded.
Taking cognisance of the matter, the Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said, “This is a serious matter. We appreciate that it has been brought to the notice of the Tribunal. The NDMC should put up signboards within 48 hours if it has not been done as the woman claims.”
The green panel had on November 17 banned parking of cars on surface level around Sarojini Nagar market in a bid to decongest the area.