HC forms committee to prevent plying of illegal vehicles

The Calcutta High Court today formed a high-level committee headed by West Bengal Chief Secretary to decide on steps to prevent illegal autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and mechanised three-wheeler vans from plying in the city and districts.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice Arijit Banerjee, taking note of safety hazards of passengers and other people in connection with a string of petitions filed in this regard directed the committee to meet and decide on the steps within 15 days.
The committee would comprise the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Transport Secretary, DGP, Police Commissioners of Kolkata, Howrah, Bidhannagar and Barrackpore.

The bench asked Transport Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay, who was present in the court, why the government has not yet been able to stop plying of illegal autorickshaws, totos (e-rickshaws) and mechanised three-wheeler vans which do not have valid registration or other necessary permits.
Bandopadhayay submitted before the court that owing to socio-economic issues, harsh steps could not be taken and added that the government would, however, look into it that nothing illegal took place.
The bench then told the Transport Secretary to do whatever was necessary in this regard.
The matter would be taken up for hearing again on June 10.