CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Government has amended the Motor Vehicles Act to increase the safety of women passengers. People who stare at female passengers can now be handed over to the police under the new law. The act said that in addition to staring, body touching, sleazy talks, winking and whistling are also criminal offences.

The amendment also specified that it is the responsibility of the conductor to either alight the passenger or hand him over to the police in such cases. Taking photos and videos without permission is also illegal. Action will be taken against those who continue such activities despite warning.

Action will also be taken against the conductors who touch the body of female passengers while boarding and alighting from the bus. The conductors should not ask any inappropriate questions about the intention of their travel. The amendment also said that a complaint book for passengers should be kept in the bus.