Hike in motorbike licence fee challenged

Petitioner contends exorbitant fees are burdensome for citizens

LAHORE:

A writ petition has been lodged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging a recent notification by the caretaker government that imposes a significantly increased fee for motorbike licenses.

The petitioner, represented by advocate Ghulam Abbas Haral, urges the court to nullify the contested notification, citing its lack of legal validity and adverse impact on the general public’s well-being.

The petitioner contends that the exorbitant fees, introduced through a notification issued on January 16, by the Punjab Home Secretary, are burdensome for citizens already grappling with escalating utility and household expenses.

The plea calls for a reduction in the extraordinary financial burden imposed on the public.

Referencing the historical context, the petitioner highlights the enactment of the “Provincial Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1965” by the province of Punjab, exercising powers under Article 79 of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973.

The ordinance aimed to establish a uniform law regulating motor vehicles on roads.

Read  Rising accidents prompt road safety measures

The petitioner argues that the provincial motor vehicle ordinance is a special law, emphasising the absence of a provision for the applicability of the Limitation Act unless explicitly stated.

The plea further emphasises Section 22 of the ordinance, which grants the government the authority to formulate rules for implementing the provisions of the ordinance.

Despite this, the government of Punjab, through the January 16, notification, amended Rule 19, substituting the figure “60” with “500,” and in Rule 26(a) Clause (I), revised the fee for motorcycles to Rs500 per annum.

The petitioner contended that these amendments were arbitrary and not in the best interest of the public, urging the court to intervene for the benefit of the citizens.

The case raises concerns about the legality and fairness of the steep fee hike, highlighting its potential impact on the accessibility of motorbike licenses for the general populace.

The Lahore High Court is now expected to deliberate on the matter and determine the fate of the contentious notification.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^th, 2024.