Transport Departments of Gujarat and Maharashtra, where the factories of GM are located, may get dragged into the GM controversy.
This is because the two State Governments are in charge of implementing the Motor Vehicles Act norms. “The fine ticket, or the challans, for violations of motor vehicle rules are raised by the State Transport Departments,” said S.P. Singh, Senior Fellow, Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT).
GM recently recalled 114,000 Tavera models, rolled out during 2005-2013 in India. Without specifying the exact nature of problem, GM stated that the recall was due to emission and specification related issues.
The testing agency, ARAI in this case, is free to take a call on whether it wants to press criminal charges against the firm because it too has been cheated, said a Highway Ministry official, requesting anonymity.
“We have not yet finalised anything. But these issues emerged during a discussion. It is difficult to arrive at a decision on what could be the maximum fine to be levied,” said a Highway Ministry official who was part of the recent meeting .
The fines could vary depending on the extent of violation based on sections of the Motor Vehicle Act. If the violations are related to manufacturing, then they can be up to Rs 5,000.