The state government officials’ ‘beacon’ era is all set to end. Special and additional secretaries are already barred from using amber beacon lights on official vehicles. Those of secretary rank might join the list soon.

The state transport department would soon send a proposal to the state cabinet to amend the list of dignitaries authorised to use beacon lights as mandated by a recent Supreme Court order. Amendment to the list is being made strictly in accordance with the system in practice in the central government.

State transport minister Brishin Patel told The Telegraph on Friday: “I believe secretaries in central government offices are not entitled to use beacon lights on their official vehicles. Since we are making amendments to the list of people authorised to use beacon lights following the Supreme Court order, we might prohibit the use of same by officers in the state government.”

The apex court, in its the judgment dated December 10, on a PIL filed by Uttar Pradesh resident Abhay Singh on unauthorised use of beacon lights, directed the Centre as well as state governments to issue a fresh list of people eligible to use red beacons on their vehicles within three months.

“We intend to make the amendment even before the deadline is reached. The amended list is being finalised and would be sent to the law department before being sent to the cabinet,” principal secretary, transport, R.K. Mahajan said.

The last time a list of people in the state entitled to use of “preferential lights” came up was in June last year. Following the Supreme Court order, the transport department is taking several steps to tighten the noose around offenders.

“I have recently written to the director-general of police (DGP), senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and district magistrates (DMs) to take steps to keep a check on violation of the pre-defined list for use of beacon lights. After public notices, we are also going to conduct drives against unauthorised use of beacons in the city,” Mahajan said.

The Supreme Court judgment has started showing some positive results in Patna. Mayor Afzal Imam has removed the red beacon light from his SUV. “I removed it the day Supreme Court gave the judgment. I respect the judiciary and the Constitution more than anything and that’s why I removed the beacon,” Imam said. Imam, however, appealed to the Bihar government asking it to make a notification empowering the Patna mayor to use beacon light, the way mayors in some cities, including Calcutta, are allowed.

But there are people like Nutan Paswan, chairperson of Patna district board (zila parishad), who continue to flaunt the beacon lights. Paswan justified the use saying: “Chairpersons of most districts boards in the state continue to use beacon lights. Why should I remove it? Moreover, I have not received any official letter asking for the same. Otherwise, I would have removed it the same day.”