(1) Whoever wilfully disobeys any direction lawfully given by any person or authority empowered under this Act to give such direction, or obstructs any person or authority in the discharge of any functions which such person or authority is required or empowered under this Act to discharge, shall, if no other penalty is provided for the offence, be punishable with a fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
(2) Whoever, being required by or under this Act to supply any information, wilfully withholds such information or gives information which he knows to be false or which he does not believe to be true, shall, if no other penalty is provided for the offence, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, or with a fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
Simplified Explanation
Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act deals with penalties for disobedience of lawful orders, obstruction of authorities in the execution of their duties, and the refusal to provide information when requested by authorized officials. This section aims to ensure that individuals comply with the directions and requests of law enforcement and motor vehicle authorities, contributing to road safety and the effective enforcement of the law.
Overview of Section 179
Section 179 outlines penalties for:
- Disobeying lawful orders issued by authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Obstructing authorities in the performance of their duties.
- Refusing or failing to provide information when requested by officials.
Key Elements of Section 179
- Disobedience of Lawful Orders:
- If any person willfully disobeys any lawful order issued by an officer or authority empowered under the Motor Vehicles Act, they are subject to penalties.
- This applies to orders related to road use, traffic regulations, vehicle control, or any other directive issued by a person authorized to enforce the Act.
- The penalty for disobedience is a fine of up to ₹2,000, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence, imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to ₹4,000, or both.
- Obstruction of Authorities:
- Anyone who obstructs an officer or authority from performing their lawful duties under the Motor Vehicles Act can also be penalized.
- This could involve preventing an officer from inspecting a vehicle, enforcing traffic rules, or carrying out any enforcement activity related to road safety.
- The penalty for obstruction is similar to disobedience, with a fine of up to ₹2,000 and, for repeat offences, imprisonment of up to one month, or a fine of up to ₹4,000, or both.
- Refusal to Provide Information:
- If a person refuses to provide information when lawfully requested by an authorized officer (for example, information regarding the identity of the vehicle owner, driver’s license, registration documents, or details about an accident), they can be penalized under this section.
- The failure to comply with a request for information necessary for enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act can result in the same penalties as disobedience or obstruction.
- Authority to Enforce:
- Officers who are empowered under the Act, such as traffic police, transport department officials, and other designated authorities, are responsible for issuing lawful orders, conducting inspections, and requesting information. Disobedience to these officers is considered an offence under this section.
Practical Implications
- Ensuring Compliance: Section 179 ensures that individuals comply with the lawful orders of officers enforcing road safety and motor vehicle laws. By imposing penalties for non-compliance, it promotes responsible behavior on the roads.
- Deterring Obstruction: The provision discourages individuals from obstructing officers while they perform their duties, ensuring that law enforcement can carry out their responsibilities without interference.
- Access to Information: By penalizing the refusal to provide necessary information, Section 179 ensures that law enforcement and other authorities can access critical details required for investigating accidents, enforcing traffic rules, and ensuring vehicle safety.
- Accountability: Individuals who attempt to evade enforcement actions or refuse to cooperate with authorities face penalties, promoting accountability among road users.
Conclusion
Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act establishes penalties for disobedience of lawful orders, obstruction of authorities, and refusal to provide information when requested by officers enforcing motor vehicle laws. By enforcing fines and, in some cases, imprisonment, this section promotes compliance with traffic regulations, ensures the smooth functioning of road safety enforcement, and supports the effective administration of the Motor Vehicles Act. The provision helps to maintain order and accountability on the roads, contributing to safer driving conditions for all.
