In a significant move to enhance public safety and security, the Meghalaya government has prohibited unauthorised two-wheeler rentals across the state.
This decision comes in the wake of the shocking Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, where the prime accused, Sonam Raghuvanshi and her alleged accomplices, hired two-wheelers from unregistered entities to execute the crime during their honeymoon in Sohra.
The state government in its order has issued a stern public notice prohibiting the commercial use of private two-wheelers and four-wheelers for rental purposes across the state.
The order, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Transport, makes it clear that such activities are in direct violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
According to the order currently, Meghalaya has not implemented schemes such as Rent-a-Motorcycle or Rent-a-Cab.
“As a result, individuals or entities are not authorised to rent out their private vehicles for commercial purposes,” the order states.
The Transport Department cited the following legal provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, Section 66: Prohibits use of any vehicle as a transport vehicle without a valid permit.
Section 192A: Penalises unauthorised use of motor vehicles for commercial purposes, with provisions for fines and imprisonment.
Section 207: Allows law enforcement to seize vehicles that violate permit conditions.
The department has warned that any person found violating these rules by either operating or advertising such rental services will face strict legal action.
This could include seizure of the vehicle, imposition of fines, and imprisonment.
