Politicians of all stripes should be the first to set an example to the public and shun the use of tinted windows, Mylliem MDC and state Congress Party spokesperson Ronnie Lyngdoh has maintained.
“The lawmakers should be the first to uphold this law because the reason not to use tinted glass is to prevent crimes but, instead, it is lawmakers and people in power who are encouraging all these things,” Lyngdoh this reporter.
The issue of tinted windows resurfaced after a Highland Post report detailing how widespread their use is in the state despite restrictions imposed, on paper at least, by the authorities. The report resulted in a police notification reminding the public about the restrictions in place.
Not all lawmakers are eligible for tinted windows. According to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, the windscreen and rear windows of vehicles should have a visual light transmission of 70 per cent and for side windows, it should be at least 50 per cent. Tinted glass can be used by VIPs enjoying Z+ or Z-category security.
However, even the man on the street uses tinted windows these days and are therefore breaking the law, Lyngdoh said, adding that getting darkened windows is almost the first thing that many politicians do when elected.
“Why are the legislators hiding their faces from the public? Why do you want to create this barrier for the public? Why don’t you lead by example?” he asked.
Stating that, as a matter of principle, he has never used tinted windows or allowed any of his immediate family members to do so, he said that he feels pity for the law enforcement officers and the police who are helpless.
In 2019, the Shillong Traffic Police had sought a written clarification from the state government to know the number of VIPs who have been exempted from using tinted glasses in their vehicles because there are officials who claimed themselves to be falling under a certain security category.
Without a list of VIPs who are exempted from the tinted glass rule, the traffic police personnel on the roads would find it a daunting task to take any punitive action against violators.
However, the dozens of dark-tinted vehicles driving around Shillong or rural areas force citizens to conclude that the Supreme Court judgement does not operate in Meghalaya.
