Supreme Court ruling hits sunfilm manufacturers

Ban on tinted windscreens and windows may cause sunburn for sunfilm manufacturers in India.

Car sunfilm manufacturers are a worried lot as there is only a week to go before their retail businesses could likely face closure.The Supreme Court has issued an order banning the fitting of any sunfilm in cars after a vehicle has been bought. The order is the result of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by AvishekGoenka stating that criminal acts are being increasingly carried out in cars with black window film.

However, the Court ruling has allowed sunfilms for the windscreen and rear glass with at least 70 percent of visibility, and in the case of inside windows, a minimum visibility of 50 percent in accordance with Rule 100 of the 1989 Central Motor Vehicle Rule.

Sunfilm makers are clearly not happy as the new ruling does away with any aftermarket fitment.Their argument against the ruling is that it would impact employment in the aftermarket, and also reduce protection and the positive effects of using sunfilms, not to mention the adverse impact on their businesses.

According to an executive of a leading sunfilm brand, the market in India is pegged at around $50 million (over Rs 250 crore) annually.

“Our films also protect car interiors from fading and deterioration and help reduce the possibility of glass shattering. All these benefits will be lost if the ban goes through. Currently, 3M India is considering the decision and exploring options so as to deliver maximum customer comfort and value,” says Subodh Jindal, vice-president, transportation business, 3M India.

“Around 90 percent of all cars use sunfilms. The aftermarket dealers use skilled workers for installing them,” says PankajJagwani, director of Auto Sonics – the joint venture partner of Blaupunkt in India. India is the only market where Blaupunkt has a sunfilm business. Blaupunkt exports sunfilms to Italy, Australia, South Africa and South America.

Sunfilm manufacturers have begun talks to tackle the new ruling by the Supreme Court. If the rule doesn’t get rolled back, thensunfilm makers will have only home and commercial buildings to bank for business.

Finally, whether the new ruling has any bearing on the crime rate in the country, only time will tell.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH