Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) over the widespread use of black films and tinted glasses on vehicles in violation of Supreme Court directions and motor vehicle rules.A division bench of Justices Mahendar Kumar Goyal and Bhuwan Goyal passed the order on Oct 9 while hearing a death reference and connected criminal appeals arising from a case in Dausa district.According to the prosecution, the court noted that the accused had transported the deceased woman’s body in a car with black-tinted windows, preventing passers-by from seeing inside and facilitating the disposal of the body at a location far from the crime scene.Members of the Bar also raised concerns over the widespread use of black-tinted windows in Rajasthan, particularly in private ambulances. They referred to reports suggesting that such ambulances had been used for illegal activities.The bench relied on Supreme Court’s 2012 judgment in Avishek Goenka vs Union of India, which prohibited the use of black films of any visual light transmission percentage, or other material pasted on vehicle windscreens and side windows.Under Rule 100 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, windscreens and rear windows must meet the prescribed light-transmission standard of 70%, while side windows must meet the applicable 50% standard. Supreme Court had clarified that these standards apply to safety glass without additional films or material.Chief secretary, transport department secretary, transport commissioner and director general of police have been named as respondents. The court directed its office to place the matter before Chief Justice for listing before the appropriate bench.
