Telangana High Court Makes Key Observations on Pending Challans

The High Court has provided significant relief to motorists who have been facing harassment from traffic police in the name of collecting pending challans. The court issued clear directions stating that police must not force vehicle owners to pay pending challans. It specifically held that actions such as stopping vehicles, confiscating bike keys, or immobilising vehicles on the road are completely illegal. The court clarified that traffic police may collect pending challans only if motorists voluntarily agree to pay at the time of inspection. If a vehicle owner refuses to pay, the police must follow due legal process and issue court notices instead. Under no circumstances should coercive methods be adopted for recovery, the High Court firmly ruled.

The judgment came in response to a petition alleging that traffic police were causing severe inconvenience to motorists under the pretext of collecting pending challans. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Vijay Gopal informed the court that the methods being followed by the police were causing undue hardship to the public. After considering these arguments, the bench delivered this landmark verdict.

Legal experts also pointed out that many pending challans can be settled online through the “Virtual Court” portal. In some cases, appearing before a magistrate may allow motorists to explain their position and seek a reduction in penalties. Additionally, during Lok Adalat sessions organised by the government, significant concessions are often offered on pending challans, making it beneficial for vehicle owners to clear dues during those periods.