New Delhi, 24 September (H.S.): Differences have emerged among the bar associations of Delhi’s district courts over the amendment to Rule 167 of the Motor Vehicle Rules. While all bar associations, except the Tis Hazari Court Bar Association, withdrew their proposed strike for Thursday, lawyers at Tis Hazari Court are observing the strike today.

The Patiala House Court Bar Association and Saket Court Bar Association announced the withdrawal of the strike following a meeting between representatives of the Coordination Committee of All District Court Bar Associations of Delhi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh.

According to the Coordination Committee, implementation of the amendments to the Motor Vehicle Rules has been put on hold for the time being. However, the Tis Hazari Court Bar Association said it did not agree with the Coordination Committee’s decision and would proceed with its proposed strike. The association said it would continue its agitation until the amendment to Rule 167 of the Motor Vehicle Rules is withdrawn.

Earlier, lawyers at Delhi’s district courts had observed a strike on September 22. The dispute stems from the Delhi Government’s decision to appoint Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Executive Magistrates and departmental officials to adjudicate traffic challans. Previously, traffic challans were dealt with by magistrates in courts.

Under the amended provisions, if a challan is issued against a person, the individual must either pay the challan or contest it before the officers designated by the Delhi Government within 45 days of its issuance. The amendment provides that if a person does not contest the challan within 45 days, it will be deemed that the person has accepted it.

If the designated officer of the Delhi Government rejects the person’s challenge to the challan, the individual can approach the court only after depositing 50 per cent of the challan amount with the Delhi Government.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar