Motorists Say Cops Defying Telangana HC Fiat on Challans
'HC reminded that cops are not collection agents. They cannot act as both accuser and judge on the roadside.'
Hyderabad: A day after the Telangana High Court ordered that traffic police should not resort to coercive measures to recover pending challans, motorists across Hyderabad continued to report being stopped and asked to clear dues.
Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar, in an interim order earlier this week, ruled that police cannot snatch vehicle keys or force on-the-spot payment of old fines. While motorists are legally required to stop and show documents when asked by a uniformed officer, the court clarified that confiscation of keys or restraint of vehicles to recover dues is illegal.
Telangana High Court advocate Yashasri Vasudeva Tadiboina explained: “The court was crystal clear that traffic police have no authority to snatch vehicle keys or hold motorists hostage for recovery of old fines. Your keys are your property. Snatching them is a coercive tactic that violates both dignity and the right to property.”
He added that a traffic stop cannot turn into punishment without trial. “If you don’t agree to pay a challan on the spot, the law gives you the right to contest it without being harassed. For years, motorists had no real choice at traffic stops. This order restores that choice by reminding the state that compliance must come through law, not coercion.”
The court further ruled that roadside payment of pending challans can only be voluntary. “You may choose to pay if you want, but compulsion is illegal. Police should not restrain one to force payment of earlier dues,” Vasudeva said.
If a motorist refuses to pay, police must follow due process. “The High Court reminded the department that police are not collection agents. The correct procedure is to issue a notice, file a case in a competent court, and allow a magistrate to decide the penalty. The police cannot act as both accuser and judge on the roadside,” he added.
Traffic officials said clarity on implementation is awaited. “We have not yet received a copy of the High Court order. Procedures will be explained to field staff once the written order is received. Vehicles can still be stopped for verification of documents,” a senior Hyderabad traffic official said.
Meanwhile, motorists alleged on social media that roadside collections continue. Suresh Kochattil posted on platform X: “Despite a High Court order, a traffic police constable continues to collect fines at Tivoli Cross Roads. When I questioned how the order was being violated, another constable told me to complain to anyone I wanted. This is the level of arrogance.”
