Udhampur: Taking serious cognizance of a case of overloading, the ARTO Udhampur, has issued a notice suspending the registration certificate and route permit of a passenger vehicle found violating safety norms and permit conditions.
A vehicle bearing Registration No JK02BP-6727 was found carrying minor school students far beyond its permitted seating capacity, in clear violation of the terms of its Route Permit and Registration Certificate.
A video circulating on social media showed the said vehicle overloaded with school-going children some hanging from the rear and others precariously seated on the rooftop. Upon verification, the incident was confirmed through CCTV footage obtained from a fuel station located along the route of the vehicle.
Such overloading constitutes a serious violation of permit conditions and poses a grave threat to the safety of minors.
Keeping in view the above facts, the Route Permit No. 650/SC/ARTOU, valid up to 25-07-2028, has been suspended for a period of three (03) months from the date of issuance of this notice.
Additionally, exercising powers vested under Section 53 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Registration Certificate of the said vehicle has also been suspended with immediate effect for a period of three (03) months.
The registered owner has been directed to surrender the registration certificate of the vehicle in the office of the ARTO, Udhampur, within three 03 days of issuance of this notice.
The ARTO emphasized that overloading of school children not only endangers their lives but also reflects gross negligence and breach of legal obligations under the Motor Vehicles Act. Strict enforcement action will continue against such violations to ensure the safety and security of school children and adherence to transport laws.