HC seeks details of cases booked against overloaded sand lorries

CHENNAI:The Madras High Court on Friday wanted the government to file a report revealing the number of cases booked against lorries on charges of carrying sand, stone, and other construction materials above the permitted limit.

The first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice T Raja and Justice PD Audikesavalu passed the direction to the police on hearing a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation represented by its president Sella Rajamani.

The petitioner sought an interim injunction restraining the government from allowing overloaded Taurus lorries and vehicles carrying M Sand, stones, and other construction materials. The petitioner also wanted the State government to take appropriate action against the officers, quarry owners, and police for not taking action against the overloaded vehicles for violating Motor Vehicles Rules.

According to the petitioner, though lorry owners are not ready to carry an overload of sand, stones, and construction materials, the quarry owners are demanding the formers to take more quantity of materials than the permitted limit. He further said that police are taking action on only drivers and lorry owners and not against the quarry owners.

Recording the submissions, the bench directed the State government to file a report explaining the number of FIRs booked taken against the overloaded vehicles. The matter has been adjourned to next week.