SC limits use of red beacons

The apex court has asked central and state governments to issue a pruned list of constitutional functionaries entitled for red beacon lights

Red beacon should be used only on vehicles used for high constitutional functionaries.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that red beacon lights without flashers would be used on the vehicles of only high constitutional functionaries and blue beacon lights will be used only on emergency services and police.

The apex court bench headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi in its direction said that the sirens would only be used on the emergency and police vehicles but the sound should not be unduly harsh and shrill.

The court said that both the central and state governments will within three months issue a pruned list of constitutional functionaries entitled for red beacon lights on official vehicles.

The court added that any violations of its direction would attract exemplary penalty.

The court ordered that the police will implement the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act without fear or favour.