Government bans red beacon from May 1:
The Government on Wednesday announced that “no red light beacons on official vehicles will be allowed from May 1”. The decision was taken at a Union Cabinet meet presided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to a news agency, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had made it clear that government’s order would not have any exceptions saying, “From May 1 no one in the country would be able to have red beacons atop official vehicles. There will be no exceptions”.
On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet decided to put a ban on the use of red beacons atop vehicles of dignitaries and government officials, including the Prime Minister.
Exceptions:
The move means beacons, the blue flasher will be allowed only on vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and ambulances, to ensure passage through traffic.
SC dubbed the use of beacons as ridiculous:
The Supreme Court, in 2013, dubbed the use of beacons by ministers and government officials “ridiculous and synonymous with power” and said they should be removed immediately.
The top court, following year, again described beacons as a “status symbol”. It added that besides constitutional functionaries, it was the “ambulances, fire services, police and army who are in need for red lights. Rest can be excluded and there is no need for our orders”.