Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
The Stage-Carriages Act, 1861, was enacted to license and regulate stage carriages in the provinces of India. This act aims to ensure the safety and proper operation of stage carriages, which were a common mode of transportation at the time. While the Act does not specify a particular ministry, it falls under the purview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India, as it deals with matters related to road transportation.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Stage-Carriages Act, 1861, was enacted on July 7, 1861. The Act is structured into 23 sections, without specific chapters. These sections cover various aspects of licensing, regulation, and penalties related to stage carriages.
Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the provisions outlined within its sections. It establishes the licensing requirements for stage carriages, the duties of proprietors and drivers, and the penalties for violations. The Act also outlines the powers of Magistrates and Commissioners of Police in administering the Act.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Stage-Carriages Act, 1861, is applicable to all stage carriages, their proprietors, drivers, and any other person involved in their operation within the provinces of India.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties for various violations, including:
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for letting a carriage without having particulars painted.
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for letting for hire an unlicensed carriage (with higher fines for subsequent offenses).
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for allowing a carriage to be drawn by fewer animals or carry more passengers than permitted.
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for ill-treating animals.
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for not conforming to provisions of section 5.
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Fine not exceeding one hundred rupees for misconduct on the part of drivers.
The Act also provides for imprisonment in certain cases, particularly where distress is not sufficient to recover the fine.
Important Pointers:
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The Act defines “stage-carriage” as any carriage drawn by one or more horses used for conveying passengers for hire.
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It requires stage carriages to be licensed and specifies the particulars to be included in the license.
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The Act mandates that particulars of the license be painted on a conspicuous part of the carriage.
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It prohibits the use of unlicensed carriages for hire and specifies penalties for violations.
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The Act regulates the number of horses and passengers allowed in a stage carriage and prohibits ill-treatment of animals.
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It empowers Magistrates and Commissioners of Police to issue licenses and to cancel licenses for unfit carriages.
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The Act also provides for the seizure of carriages for non-compliance and for the recovery of penalties.
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The Act emphasizes the importance of safety and proper conduct in the operation of stage carriages.
Act Copy: