Kochi: The High Court has invalidated the six-month smoke test certificate introduced by the state government, proposing the adoption of the 12-month duration recommended by the central government. The central government had initially set a 12-month period for smoke testing of two-wheelers and three-wheelers. However, in 2022, State Transport Minister Antony Raju reduced it to six months without providing clarity on the basis for the deadline adjustment.
The expert committee was supposed to conduct studies on the tenure and submit a report on this matter, but it was found that this process did not take place. Simultaneously, the minister had also instructed an extension of the deadline for ensuring the accuracy of smoke detectors. This decision came following a petition from operators of smoke testing centres.
Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar stated that the reduction in the time limit contradicts central law and has been implemented following the minister’s directive. In light of this, the court has canceled the time limit and emphasized the importance of adhering to the 12-month period suggested by the central government for smoke testing.
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