Supreme Court Proposes Innovative Solutions for Unpaid Traffic Fines

Supreme Court's Bold Move on Traffic E-Challans

New Delhi: On Monday, the Supreme Court highlighted that states and Union territories are facing a staggering Rs 20,000 crore in unpaid traffic e-challans and proposed a novel approach to recover these dues by linking them to electricity bills.

A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan learned that, despite the issuance of numerous traffic fines, the collection rate remains disappointingly low.

The court emphasized that merely issuing e-challans is insufficient; effective recovery of these fines is crucial.

The bench suggested, "If individuals are neglecting to pay their traffic fines, incorporate these amounts into their electricity bills. They will be compelled to settle their electricity dues to avoid disconnection of service. We must find a solution in this country."

This recommendation arose after the court was informed that the total outstanding amount for e-challans across states and UTs is about Rs 45,000 crore, with only around Rs 25,000 crore having been collected to date.

Additionally, the Supreme Court proposed blacklisting vehicles that have unpaid fines on the Parivahan portal and restricting ownership transfers.

Justice Pardiwala urged authorities to enhance ground-level operations and recommended conducting random vehicle checks to identify those with outstanding e-challans.

The bench stated, "Implement random vehicle inspections, and if an e-challan remains unpaid, take necessary actions to impound the vehicle."

This discussion was part of a hearing regarding comprehensive reforms in road safety, traffic enforcement, and care for victims post-accident.