₹5,000 for six violations: Kerala HC questions fine on modified Thar used for flood relief

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has questioned the Motor Vehicles Department’s action of imposing a consolidated fine of ₹5,000 on a modified Mahindra Thar found to have multiple unauthorised fittings, observing that the violations should have been penalised separately.  The owner of such a vehicle has to be imposed with a fine of ₹5,000 for each unauthorised alteration, the court observed .

The vehicle had earlier triggered controversy after two Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors (AMVIs) of the Adoor Sub Regional Transport Office were suspended for imposing the fine. The MVD had alleged that the officials failed to exercise caution and discretion as the vehicle was being used for flood-relief operations.

Laiju B and Shameer M were suspended on August 6 by Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam. The order said their action had caused disrepute to the state government. However, following protests from the officials, who pointed out that the vehicle’s owner was a repeat offender and had been fined in 2024 and 2026 for similar violations, the MVD revoked their suspension.

The High Court subsequently sought details from the Transport Commissioner on the suspensions and whether action had been taken against the vehicle’s owner or driver.

The Special Government Pleader informed the court that the Thar had been fined ₹5,000 as a consolidated amount for six unauthorised lights and ₹2,000 for a Pollution Under Control (PUC) violation.

The court, however, noted that the vehicle was fitted with high-intensity Lightforce Blitz 240 mm halogen driving lights, which could cause temporary visual disorientation to oncoming drivers and pedestrians and pose a safety risk.

It observed that the applicable rules prescribe a fine of ₹5,000 for each unauthorised alteration, including multi-coloured LED lights, neon lights, laser lights, flashlights, strobe lights and flashing LED name boards fitted to the vehicle’s exterior, driver cabin or passenger compartment.

The court also noted that an e-challan issued against the same vehicle in 2024 for wheels projecting laterally beyond the vehicle body remained pending. Despite this, the vehicle was again being used on public roads with unauthorised lights and other modifications, the court observed.

The court also directed the Enforcement Wing of the MVD and the police to take necessary steps. It also granted the government more time to submit the Transport Commissioner’s report on the matter.