India bans use of red beacon lights on VVIP vehicles

Under pressure after Punjab and Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers removed red beacon lights from atop of cars of ministers, the Union cabinet of Indian Government on Wednesday decided to ban the use of red beacons atop vehicles of dignitaries and government officials, including the Prime Minister and the President of India. The decision comes into effect from May 1.

According to the decision, the blue flasher -- will be allowed only on vehicles belonging to the fire service, police, army and ambulances, to ensure passage through traffic.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari has removed the red beacon from his car after cabinet decision. Notification will be issued frqMay 1. The decision to ban, taken at the meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi, will extend to the vice-president, the chief justice of India, Union ministers, chief ministers, state cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and judges of the high court and Supreme Court.

It may be mentioned that chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab – Yogi Adityanath and Amarinder Singh – decided against the use of the red beacon on their official cars last month.

In 2013, the Supreme Court dubbed the use of beacons by ministers and government officials “ridiculous and synonymous with power” and said they should be removed immediately.

But the question is -- Do politicians really need that red light? NO. Before VIP movement all roads are blocked already. By removing light the politicians can't bring relief to citizens. Move with general public as a normal citizen of India.