Kerala High Court lawyers pay ₹50,000 fine on flood-rescue vehicle

A group of lawyers associated with the Kerala High Court has paid the ₹50,000 fine imposed by the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) on a modified off-road vehicle that was used in flood-rescue operations in Aranmula. The amount was handed over to the vehicle's owner, Amal Vidwan of Kulanada, at the office of Aranmula MLA Abin Varkey on Monday.

The fine was revised upward after the High Court reviewed a report from the Transport Commissioner, which noted that the vehicle had six additional lights and tyres that extended laterally beyond its body. The initial penalty of ₹5,250, imposed by MVD officers at Adoor on August 21, had already been paid by Youth Congress workers.

The episode triggered widespread criticism, including from within the Congress party, and led to an unusual confrontation within the department. Two officers involved in the original action were suspended, prompting MVD personnel to stage a statewide protest wearing black badges. The government later revoked the suspensions.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Abin Varkey reiterated his criticism of the MVD, calling the penalisation of a vehicle engaged in flood-relief work inappropriate and insensitive. He said it was wrong for the department to conduct vehicle checks in a town where people from across the district had gathered seeking refuge during the floods. He also criticised the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for allegedly supporting the department's action and for demanding an additional fine.

Advocate Arun S. Nair handed over the money on behalf of the lawyers' collective.