Kolkata Cracks Down on Offensive Vehicle Stickers
Does your car have any stickers that sound offensive and derogatory and do you live in Kolkata? If so, it is high time you remove that sticker else be ready to face the law. Reportedly, Kolkata has recently implemented a new rule targeting offensive and derogatory stickers on vehicles. The Kolkata Police issued a stern warning to vehicle owners, stating that such stickers can lead to legal consequences under the Motor Vehicles Act and the newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The announcement was made on the police department's social media handle X (formerly known as Twitter). The police shared an example of what they consider offensive by showing a picture of a car with a sticker that read, "Believe a snake, not a girl." This type of message was highlighted as a violation of the law.
Vehicle owners with offensive stickers can be charged under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections prohibit derogatory messages, posters, and photographs that can hurt sentiments based on caste, creed, or gender. The police emphasized that such content is not allowed on any vehicle, including private and public transport.
In one specific case, a Hyundai car owner was asked to remove a derogatory sticker to avoid defamation charges under section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 356(i) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The car owner complied with the request.
The police have warned that vehicles with offensive stickers will be monitored, and appropriate action will be taken against the owners. This move aims to maintain public decency and respect for all individuals.
To summarize, Kolkata's new rule against offensive vehicle stickers is a step towards ensuring that public spaces remain respectful and free from derogatory content. Vehicle owners are urged to be mindful of the messages they display to avoid legal trouble and contribute to a more inclusive environment.
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