3 weeks ago
Modified Thar Fined During Kerala Flood Relief; CM Promises Intervention
In Kerala, a part of India, heavy rain caused floods and many people needed help.
A special car called a Mahindra Thar was helping rescue people and carry food and water.
One day, the car department stopped the owner and fined him 7,000 rupees.
The fine was because the car had extra lights and no pollution certificate.
The owner said he would pay because rules are for everyone.
But he felt sad because the car was being used to help people.
The leader of Kerala called him and promised to help.
Extra lights help drivers see better in rain and fog.
Cars with high ground clearance can drive through flooded roads.
Now people are debating whether rescue cars should get special rules during emergencies.
A modified Mahindra Thar used in flood-relief work in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district was fined Rs 7,000 by the Motor Vehicles Department.
The vehicle was stopped in Adoor while owner Amal of Mezhuveli was travelling to buy spare parts, with fines for aftermarket lights and a missing pollution under control certificate.
The owner said he is willing to pay the fine and that vehicle laws apply to everyone, but expressed disappointment the action came while the SUV supported flood-affected residents.
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan spoke with the owner by phone and promised to intervene in the matter.
The incident renewed debate over how authorities should treat modified vehicles deployed for rescue work during emergencies.
- Who
- Mahindra Thar owner Amal from Mezhuveli, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, and Kerala's Motor Vehicles Department.
- What
- A modified Mahindra Thar used in flood relief was fined Rs 7,000 for aftermarket lights and a missing pollution under control certificate.
- Where
- Adoor in Kerala, while the owner travelled to purchase spare parts; the Thar had been used in rescue and relief operations in Aranmula.
- When
- During the heavy rain and flash floods affecting Kerala's Pathanamthitta district.
- Why
- The vehicle did not comply with motor vehicle regulations, and the action renewed debate over how to handle modified rescue vehicles during emergencies.
Regulatory enforcement
Rescue support
Fining relief vehicles during floods
Regulatory enforcement
Motor vehicle regulations apply to everyone, and aftermarket lights and missing pollution certificates are violations that must be penalised for road safety.
Rescue support
The owner and off-road enthusiasts argue that vehicles deployed specifically for rescue work during emergencies may need a clear, temporary framework, and action during relief work was disappointing.
Vehicle modifications for rescue
Regulatory enforcement
Kerala maintains a strict position on unauthorised modifications, including additional and high-intensity lighting, which are generally not permitted on public roads.
Rescue support
Modified off-road vehicles have higher ground clearance, stronger tyres and improved visibility, helping evacuate stranded residents and deliver food packets, drinking water and essential supplies.
Key facts
- Vehicle
- Modified Mahindra Thar
- Owner
- Amal, from Mezhuveli
- Total fine
- Rs 7,000
- Fine breakdown
- Rs 5,000 for aftermarket lights; Rs 2,000 for missing pollution under control certificate
- Fining authority
- Motor Vehicles Department
- Stopped in
- Adoor, Kerala
- Relief operations
- Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district
- Political response
- Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan promised to intervene
Sources
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