Ananta Narayan Jena, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA was penalised in Bhubaneshwar for violating traffic rules, and fined Rs 500, on Sunday, September 8, sources said. The former city Mayor, was in the city to attend a traffic sensitisation programme when he was fined for parking his car in the 'No-Parking Zone' area. The Biju Janata Dal MLA admitted to parking his vehicle in the wrong place, and said that 'everybody is equal before the law'. Many had gathered to protest against hefty fines at Raj Mahal square, a day before the incident which resulted in lathi-charge to disperse the protestors.

Read: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Favours 'One Nation-One Poll' Reform Amid PM-chaired All-party Meeting, Says 'BJD Will Support It'

Hefty fines result of Motor Vehicles Bill

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019, came into effect from September 1. This Bill was approved by the President on August 9, 2019. The government has notified 63 clauses in the Bill that deal with penalties, licences, registration and National Transport Policy, among others. The aim behind the heavy penalties for violations of rules is to improve road safety for commuters.

Read: Motor Vehicles Act: These Road Violation Penalties Apply From Sep 1

The changes in the Bill imposes a hefty penalty for offences providing no specific penalty. For the first offence in the Act, the fine has increased from Rs 100 to Rs 500 and the subsequent offence from Rs 300 to Rs 1,500. New penalties have also been introduced in case of violation of road regulations which can be between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. A driver without a helmet will be fined Rs 1,000. The minimum fine for driving without a licence has been increased from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000, while the charge for driving despite disqualification has been increased to Rs 10,000.

BJD Party Suspend Party Workers

The BJD was in the news earlier, for suspending party workers. The BJD party had suspended three members of the party after they received backlash for draping Pulwama martyr's coffin with BJD party flag. Binod Kumar Majhi, Santosh Kumar Sahu and Govardhan Das of Cuttack district were the members suspended on June 21 and an enquiry was launched due to the incident. BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra condemned the incident and said this was "unfortunate".

Read: Pulwama Martyr’s Coffin Wrapped In BJD Flag, BJP Demands An Unconditional Apology From Naveen Patnaik

"Our party has a lot of respect for the martyrs and we condemn the incident. Stringent action will be taken against those who are involved in this episode," Patra said. 

Read: BJD Suspends Three Party Workers After Backlash For Draping Pulwama Martyr's Coffin In Party Flag

(with PTI inputs)