The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings registered under Section 318(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, over allegations involving a motorcycle without a number plate. However, the Court directed the rider to pay a fine of ₹1,500 for the repeated helmet violation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Background
The case arose after Kamakshipalya Police Station, Bengaluru, registered an FIR against Channakeshava V and his son, Sharan C, alleging an offence under Section 318(2) BNS. The petitioners argued that the allegations, even if accepted, did not constitute cheating and could instead attract Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The State submitted that the first petitioner had previously been fined twice for riding without a helmet and had allegedly removed the motorcycle's number plate to avoid another penalty.
Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde found that the charge under Section 318(2) BNS was not legally sustainable.
The Court observed:
"As can be seen from the requirement of Section 318(2) read with Section 318 of BNS, the Court is of the view that the charge sheet for the said offence is not tenable."
The Court also noted the repeated helmet violations and directed the first petitioner to pay ₹1,500 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The High Court partly allowed the petition and quashed the proceedings in Crime No. 90/2026.
The first petitioner was directed to submit proof of payment of the ₹1,500 fine before the Registry within two weeks.
Case Details
Case Title: Channakeshava V and Another v. State of Karnataka
Case Number: Criminal Petition No. 8218 of 2026
Judges: Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde
Decision Date: 29 October 2026
