Comment Pieces

Own a house first to own a car

“Only thing which I have for my Mumbai address is my rent agreement on which I have opened a new bank account, new MTNL connection and everything but why can't I get the vehicle registration… Unfortunately for the first time in my life I have to pay a bribe to the showroom guys which they have taken from me stating that this money will go to the RTO. Not sure whose commission is how much but an individual like me suffered.”

The prospect of a bribe makes certain people bend rules as per their wishes, sometimes inventing new ones. Take for instance this car dealership based in Mumbai. “Wish to buy a car? Get a house first.” they say. A ‘special charge' of Rs.6000 rupees is levied on this prospective buyer for failing to have a permanent address proof in Mumbai. Sounds quite preposterous, right? Like there is a certain unbreakable structure one has to follow to be able to fulfil needs and wants. “Is it necessary for a person like me to own a house first in order to buy a car?” asks the respondent.