Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 18: The Mechanical check of the vehicle is a total eye wash in Jammu and Kashmir as the staff of the Mechanical department of the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) gives fitness to the vehicle without inspecting the vehicle.
The mechanical check is mandatory for the vehicle, which meets with an accident. As per the rules, if a vehicle meets with an accident, the concerned Station House Officer seizes the vehicle and the vehicle needs to be released from the High Court. But in a case under section 279, 337 of RPC, the court directs the Station House Officer to give the Mechanical report of the vehicle and then release the vehicle. But the SHOs write a letter to the manager of the mechanical department and ask the applicants to get the mechanical fitness and the Mechanical department also issues the certificate without even inspecting the vehicle. As per the rules, the mechanical Engineer of the department has to visit the place where the vehicle is parked and inspect the vehicle but they issue the certificate from their office in exchange for agreed amount. However the fees of the mechanical check up, which should be paid by the SHO is also being paid by the applicant.
"They are playing with the rules and the orders of the court, mechanical check-up is not only a formality, it shows the actual condition of the vehicle at the time of the accident," said a Mechanical Engineer, requesting anonymity.
"This report can solve many mysteries behind the case, the actual cause of accident can be identified with the exact mechanical check-up of the vehicle," he added.
Subash Sharma from Katra said, "My car met with an accident, but when I went to get the mechanical report, after paying the fees at SRTC office at one side of the Bikram Chowk, I went to another side of the chowk to get the mechanical done, but people were paying a note of Rs. 100 for motor cycle and 200 for cars to get the mechanical certificate."
"I also gave the two hundred to the peon sitting outside that damaged room, where the Clerk was issuing the certificate," he added.
Sharma further said, 'Is it only a formality to collect revenue from the people who met with some accident, for what we are paying the fees and for what they are asking for bribe? I also paid, just because I also want my vehicle to be release at earliest.' |
