Docters case WMP.No.14419 of 2024 P. B. BALAJI , J.The respondents have filed a counter affidavit today. Learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the Respondents submitted that there is misuse of stickers containing symbol-marks of various Government Departments in private vehicles especially on number plate and other conspicuous places

                                     W.P.No.13274 of 2024 and 

WMP.No.14419 of 2024 P. B. BALAJI , J.
The respondents have filed a counter affidavit today. Learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the Respondents submitted that there is misuse of stickers containing symbol-marks of various Government Departments in private vehicles especially on number plate and other conspicuous places. That apart, this Court vide order dated 05.01.2022, in W.P.No.14697 of 2014 directed the Director General of Police, to issue wide publications through Visual Media and Press Media, providing an opportunity to all concerned to remove all kinds of unauthorised usage of Flags, Emblems, Names, Symbols, Stickers, Seals etc., within a period of one month from the date of publication. He further submitted that no interference is required as the police officials are only preventing misuse.

2. The learned counsel for the Petitioner submitted that petitioners are Doctors by profession and therefore they may have to rush to the hospital and clinic for attending emergency cases and only for this purpose they have affixed the sticker containing the symbol of Doctor.
3. I find force in the submission made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. But at the same time, these cannot be misused. I am of the view that the Tamil Nadu Medical Council as well as the Medical Council of India ought to be impleaded as parties in this Writ Petition in order to enable the authorities to find out the feasibility of issuing stickers which could be affixed in the vehicles like how the State Bar Council issues stickers to Advocates enabling them to enter into the High Court premises and park their vehicles.
4. In view of the above, the petitioner is directed to file necessary application for impleading the Tamil Nadu Medical Council as well as the Medical Council of India, on or before 07.06.2024. In the meantime, the Respondents shall not take any coercive action against Doctors who have affixed the stickers highlighting their profession ( either as ‘Dr.’, Logo or Caduceus – symbol which contain two serpents around a staff). However, the Respondents are at liberty to take action against those persons who misuse such stickers and those who have affixed such stickers in the number plate or other places other than the front and rear windshields, after due verification.
5. Post on 14.06.2024. 22.05.2024 av/arr  
   P. B. BALAJI , J. av/arr
   W.P.No.13274 of 2024 and WMP.No.14419 of 2024
   22.05.2024