The Rajasthan High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by a bus owner challenging an interim order related to the seizure of his vehicle. The Division Bench held that while the bus had already been released on interim conditions, it cannot operate in Rajasthan unless the statutory requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 are fulfilled.
Background of the Case
The appeal arose from an interim order of a Single Judge, who had directed the provisional release of the seized vehicle subject to it being insured and complying with the requirements of the Motor Vehicles Act. The appellant argued that the inspection report prepared at the time of seizure did not mention several defects that were later included in the notice issued under Section 53(1)(a) of the Act.
The Bench noted that even if some alleged violations were not recorded during the initial inspection, that alone did not invalidate the statutory notice.
“The appellant is free to submit a reply to the notice and make oral submissions before the competent authority. If a final order is passed, the law provides a remedy of appeal,” the Bench observed.
The court further clarified that the suspension of the vehicle's registration was limited to its operation within Rajasthan. If the vehicle satisfied the authorities in Madhya Pradesh, where it was registered, it could operate there. However, it could not be driven in Rajasthan until the State authorities were satisfied with its compliance.
Take CourtBook Everywhere
Access your account on the go with our mobile app.
Expressing concern over modified passenger buses that do not comply with safety standards, the court directed transport authorities to ensure uniform enforcement of statutory norms for all vehicles operating in Rajasthan, irrespective of the State in which they are registered. Finding no reason to interfere with the interim order, the Division Bench dismissed the appeal.
Case Details:
Case Title: Vinod Kumar v. State of Rajasthan & Ors.
Case Number: D.B. Special Appeal Writ No. 591/2026 (in S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6561/2026)
Judge: Hon'ble Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Hon'ble Justice Maneesh Sharma
Decision Date: 29 June 2026
