Industry that manufactures tinted glass for cars seeks partial relief from Supreme Court ban

NEW DELHI: The Rs 150-crore industry that makes ‘ sun blinders’ — tinted glasses used in vehicles — has petitioned the transport ministry to at least partially lift the Supreme Court ban on such glasses. Over 10 parliamentarians have taken up the issue with the transport ministry, pushing for changes in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The transport ministry has sought the home ministry’s help on the issue.

The transport ministry feels there should be no compromise on the issue as it’s related to women safety and national security. The Supreme Court order in 2012 came in the backdrop of rapes and molestation inside cars with tinted windscreens, and there was no way they could be allowed back, said transport ministry officials.

While consultations with home ministry officials were scheduled for next week, the opinion of the ministry of women and child development had also been sought, said officials.

At present, only those car windows that have been tinted by the manufacturers are allowed.



Even in these cases, anything beyond the visual light transmission limit of 70% for the front and rear windshields and 50% for the side windows is punishable as per the motor vehicle rules.

“The manufacturers may not be violating the mandatory 50% visibility rule in theory but enforcing this on the ground...is a mammoth task that cannot be risked, given this is a question of women safety,” a senior official said, admitting there has been pressure from the industry on this front.

Tinted films were banned by the Supreme Court in May 2012 irrespective of the percentage of tint.

Sources said, in the meetings held recently, some manufacturers of tinted films presented new technology to produce sun blinders with greater visibility. “But the question is of enforcement. We will be firm on our stand to not allow the manufacturers have their way. We are hoping the home and WCD ministries support us in this,” said a transport ministry official.