Delhi: 

STARS N STRIPS: Cops on motor cycles patrol the streets

The Delhi Police has empowered its 200 motorcycle borne head constables to challan offenders during its drive against playing loud music in vehicles or place DVD screens on the front panel of cars.

Earlier, only officers of the rank of an Assistant Sub Inspector or above could issue challans. But, with the responsibility being delegated to junior level officers, people are expecting more harassment from traffic cops.
 
Speaking on the issue, M P S Kasana, a lawyer of the Delhi High Court said, "This move will lead to harassment of commuters in the capital. The policemen of this rank would not be as mature as a sub-inspector or an inspector. In a force where people take bribes from hardcore criminals, they would not hesitate from troubling the common people."

A commuter, who claims to have suffered from the high handedness of the police, said, "I was standing on the road with my motorbike engine on and talking to my girlfriend. The cop came and challaned me for using my mobile while driving. I kept asking him to not to fine me but he asked me to get it cleared from the Saket courts," said Ashish Kenith, (name changed on request) a resident of Khirki Extension.

However, some also believe that the move will help in better policing of the roads in the capital. "In my opinion, this move of the Delhi Police will help in better law enforcement in the capital. In a city where people don't care much about traffic rules, increased number of law enforcers on the roads will help in a better traffic management," said Neeraj Chaudhari, a lawyer in the Delhi High Court.