UDF Wins In Kerala: Car Enthusiasts Now Want Modifications Legalized!
The general election results are out and the United Democratic Front (UDF) has won in Kerala. While the party celebrates its victory, car enthusiasts are busy reminding the leadership about one of their key promises, one that made many vote for them- that they will ‘legalize safe modifications’.
The election results were declared on May 4. Content creators began sharing short-form videos on social media the very next day. Most of these were polite requests and gentle reminders to V. D. Satheesan, the UDF Chairman who previously promised to legalize safe modifications if the front is voted to power. Here are two such examples.
The first clip, shared by Siddharth S Nair, known as ‘Thar Car Guy’ on Instagram, congratulates V. D. Satheesan on the UDF’s victory and reminds him of the promise. He also requests the leader- who is reportedly a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s role- to follow through on it.
The second video is from Ajith Thankachan, known as Dr. Chrome on Instagram, who has a following of over 3.2 million. In it, V. D. Satheesan is seen speaking about the manifesto and making the promise. This is a recording from before the elections. The creator then reminds him of it and asks his followers whether they believe it will be fulfilled.
The comments section reflects a divided opinion. Many believe the promise will be fulfilled. ‘He has always stood by his word. This will be no different.’ commented a user. Others remain skeptical and think it may not translate into action. Some of this skepticism could stem from political bias, though the same remains unclear. For now, all eyes are on VD Satheesan and the newly elected government. Whether this promise turns into policy is something only time will tell.
During the elections this time, the United Democratic Front’s manifesto targeted car enthusiasts. Kerala is known for its car culture and affinity towards modification.
Like many other parts of the country, modifications are illegal in Kerala, and the previous government was quite strict with enforcement. It had a zero-tolerance policy toward these. Enforcement agencies including the Motor Vehicle Department used to penalise even minor modifications. In many cases, even cosmetic upgrades like decals, wraps or colour changes were flagged as illegal.
The manifesto promised to bring about a major shift in how car modifications are treated in the state. It said that if the front was elected to power, safe modifications would be legalized. This instantly caught the attention of many car enthusiasts and may have resulted in them voting for UDF.
The government will have to be careful with drafting this policy and designing its guidelines. ‘Defining safe modifications’ is something that needs to be done with care and precision. Loose ends in these rules can result in people exploiting them. Inputs from auto and industry experts need to be factored in when deciding what to and what not to permit.
Like many, you too may be wondering: if car modification is considered illegal across India, banned by the Central Motor Vehicle Act, can a state government override this and legalise it? The short answer is yes. In a video shared on his channel, legal educator and corporate lawyer Navaneeth P has explained the legal framework behind this possibility.
Section 52 of Central Motor Vehicle Act (1988) prohibits modifications on vehicles. However, Entry 35 of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution allows state governments to make amendments to motor vehicle rules. At the same time, Article 254(1) states that in case of a conflict between central and state laws, the central law will prevail.
There’s however, a loophole here. The state assembly can pass an amendment bill under Article 254 (2). If the president of India approves it, Kerala will be able to bypass the central law and have its own rules permitting modifications within the state limits.