The Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Public Landing Places, Halting Places, Cart-Stands) Rules, 1999

What the rules govern

The Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Public Landing Places, Halting Places, Cart-Stands) Rules, 1999 govern public landing places, halting places and cart-stands provided by Village Panchayats. For these rules, a cart includes road conveyances such as carriages, wagons, vehicles, bicycles, tricycles, pedal or motorised rickshaws, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.

Approval and land details

A Village Panchayat proposing such a facility must apply to the Inspector. The application must include:

• The survey number, extent and classification of the proposed land.
• A sketch showing the land's location in relation to important roads and neighbouring lands.
• Any additional particulars specifically required by the Inspector.

For a stand intended wholly or partly for motor vehicles, the Inspector must consult the Regional Transport Authority and consider its opinion before granting sanction. A Village Panchayat also needs the Inspector's prior permission to close a facility temporarily or permanently.

A road or road margin should not ordinarily be declared as one of these facilities. In a special case, the Inspector may permit it after consulting the authority responsible for the road and deciding that sufficient road space remains. An entire village cannot be declared a public landing place, halting place or cart-stand.

Operation, restrictions and notice

After providing an authorised facility, a Village Panchayat may prohibit use of public places or public roads for the same purpose within one kilometre. The restriction does not apply to a motor vehicle that is not a stage carriage. Passenger vehicles stopping for no more than two minutes to pick up or drop passengers or luggage, and goods vehicles stopping only for loading or unloading, are not treated as using the location as a stand.

The Village Panchayat must publish opening details and user fees at its office and in the District Gazette. A conspicuous notice at the facility must show the rates, authorised fee collector and prohibited distance.

Fees, amenities and enforcement

The rules prescribe minimum daily fees for specified vehicles and animals. Required amenities include passenger, vehicle and animal shelter, lighting, drinking water and toilets.

If a fee is unpaid on demand, the authorised collector may seize sufficient load or appurtenances, or the vehicle or animal where necessary. The property must be forwarded within twenty four hours, with notice before public auction. Sale proceeds may cover the fee, an authorised penalty, and the stated seizure charge. Any surplus must be returned, and payment of the fee and seizure charge before sale requires immediate release.