The government has suspended the enforcement of a provision in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026. This provision prohibits preaching and hawking in moving public and commercial vehicles, according to Citi News.
The decision comes after public debate about the regulation. Concerns were raised regarding its impact on religious expression and evangelism in commercial vehicles.
Regulation 141 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, L.I. 2519, addresses this issue. It prohibits causing or allowing a nuisance, including preaching and hawking, in moving public or commercial vehicles.
Offenders could face fines ranging from 10 to 50 penalty units. They may also face imprisonment for up to eight months or both penalties.
Religious leaders and stakeholders have expressed concerns about these restrictions. They worry about how it might affect common religious activities conducted on buses.
It is unclear if the suspension will prompt a review of the provision. The government has not yet released a public statement detailing the suspension’s implications.
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