The argumentative Hyderabadi was on the street on Friday, posing tough questions to unprepared but gritty traffic policemen. The issue under discussion was, of course, the prohibition of black films on car windows. The questions were many and varied.
Some fired a volley of queries out of sheer ignorance while the others, according to a beleaguered traffic cop, were too clever by half! What was the rationale behind the Supreme Court’s order banning all kinds of black films on car windows? Obviously, to curb crimes such as gang-rapes. But some Hyderabadis aren’t convinced.
They argued that crime rates will only rise due to the see-through glasses! “How can our women go for weddings and other functions wearing a lot of jewellery? How can businessmen safely carry cash with them?” asked Sudhakar Reddy, a businessman near Nampally, with an indignant air.
The poor traffic cop had only one polite answer: “It’s the Supreme Court order. ” Another commuter, Ramakrishna, pointed out the merits of dark, black tinted glasses. “The black films deflect ultra violet rays by almost 100% and solar energy (!) by nearly 60%.
Once the films are removed, there are chances of a spike in skin diseases and skin cancer etc. Also, the vehicles will consume more petrol and that would affect the mileage,” he said, showing a pamphlet handed out by a car decor outlet.
Adding fuel to fire are a few car decor dealers. As per the rule, vehicle owners cannot have black films on car windows. No one can paste any type of film on any of the glasses of a vehicle. The allowed VLT of 70% and 50% has to come in glass from the manufacturer. It means if anyone wants to apply any tint, he has to get the glasses changed with VLT of 70% for front and back & VLT of 50% for side glasses.
But dealers like Hussain, near King Koti informed customers that company manufactured tinted glasses do not reject any UV rays! “If going by HTP, all the car owners want to go for company manufactured tinted glasses, they would have to shell out a minimum of Rs 25,000 per car,” he said.
Several commuters still claimed ignorance of the ongoing drive against black films on car windows. However, there were quite a few who supported the apex court order and its strict enforcement.
“Even during a bandh, I avoid taking cabs as these are not safe and usually have tinted glasses,” said P Balalaxmi, a shop attendant. Women in general were in favour while the men just fumed and fretted all day.