Karnataka: Cabs, autos carrying hate slogans against women to be fined

Bengaluru: Painting your vehicle with a catchy slogan may attract attention, but it could also land you in trouble under the Karnataka Motor Vehicles (KMV) Act in future if it is in bad taste.

Drawing the attention of the House to slogans spewing hate on women painted across some autorickshaws and cabs in the city, noted Kannada actor and member of the Legislative Council, Dr Jayamala Ramachandra, wondered what it was doing about it .

Slogans like "my love only for my mom and dad, not stupid girls", " virgin hunterz don't racing, I f**k you", "Don't peep in it, it may be your daughter", " be like a snake but not a girl, " and " take poison but don't believe in girls" were only some of the many carried by autorickshaws and cabs racing around the city, she deplored.

When sexual crimes against women were on the rise, carrying such stickers and slogans that were clearly insulting to them was in terrible taste, she added, urging the government to take action against the cab and auto drivers responsible.

Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy admitted that some autorickshaws and cabs did carry such posters and slogans. But he said they could be acting in violation of section 127 of the KMV Act 1989, which made permission from the regional transport authorities mandatory for display of advertisements, pictures or slogans. “Action will taken for removal of such objectionable writings on vehicles immediately and the vehicles will be seized,” he assured.