First vehicle gets fined in UP for displaying caste identity

Agencies

December 30, 2020

Lucknow, Dec 30: In what is probably the first case of action against displaying caste identity on the windscreens and number plates of four and two-wheelers in Uttar Pradesh, a man in Kanpur was issued a challan for writing 'Kushwaha' and 'Akhil Bharatiya Maurya Mahasabha' on his SUV.

According to inspector Kotwali, Sanjiv Kant Mishra, "We issued a challan, the first in the city, to an SUV owner which had 'Kushwaha' and 'Akhil Bharatiya Maurya Mahasabha' painted on its rear windscreen. The vehicle, bearing registration number of Kanpur, belongs to one Anil Kumar. We have also fined the SUV owner for Rs 2000."

With caste politics having gained firm roots in Uttar Pradesh, it has become a fashion to display caste names on windscreens or number plates of vehicles across the state.

Last week, an order in this regard was issued to all regional transport offices (RTOs) by an additional transport commissioner stating that action should be taken against all such vehicle owners.

The order was issued by the transport department after instructions received from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The PMO had taken cognizance of the matter after a Maharashtra-based teacher -- Harshal Prabhu -- wrote a letter opposing this culture.

Prabhu had sent a complaint to the PMO's integrated system designed for redressal of grievances. He had mentioned that highlighting caste on vehicles was a threat to the social fabric.

Taking note of the complaint, the PMO officials had instructed the state government after which the latter launched such an initiative.

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Flight cancellations strand passengers overnight at Mangaluru Airport

News Network

December 4,2025

Mangaluru: Chaos erupted at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) after IndiGo flight 6E 5150, bound for Mumbai, was repeatedly delayed and ultimately cancelled, leaving around 100 passengers stranded overnight. The incident highlights the ongoing country-wide operational disruptions affecting the airline, largely due to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms for crew.

The flight was initially scheduled for 9:25 PM on Tuesday but was first postponed to 11:40 PM, then midnight, before being cancelled around 3:00 AM. Passengers expressed frustration over last-minute communication and the lack of clarity, with elderly and ailing travellers particularly affected. “Though the airline arranged food, there was no proper communication, leaving us confused,” said one family member.

An IndiGo executive at MIA cited the FDTL rules, designed to prevent pilot fatigue by limiting crew working hours, as the cause of the cancellation. While alternative arrangements, including hotel stays, were offered, about 100 passengers chose to remain at the airport, creating tension. A replacement flight was arranged but also faced delays due to the same constraints, finally departing for Mumbai around 1:45 PM on Wednesday. Passengers either flew, requested refunds, or postponed their travel.

The Mangaluru delay is part of a broader crisis for IndiGo. The airline has been forced to make “calibrated schedule adjustments”—a euphemism for widespread cancellations and delays—after stricter FDTL norms came into effect on November 1.

While an IndiGo spokesperson acknowledged unavoidable flight disruptions due to technology issues, operational requirements, and the updated crew rostering rules, the DGCA has intervened, summoning senior airline officials to explain the chaos and outline corrective measures.

The ripple effect has been felt across the country, with major hubs like Bengaluru and Mumbai reporting numerous cancellations. The Mangaluru incident underscores the systemic operational strain currently confronting India’s largest carrier, leaving passengers nationwide grappling with uncertainty and delays.

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