Srinagar Court Fines Traffic Cop ₹1000 For Inaccurately Issuing E-Challan Against Wrong Vehicle

Directing SSP Traffic (City), Srinagar to sensitise cops manning e-challans Special Mobile Magistrate Srinagar Mudasar Farooq observed,

“It needs to be pointed out that e-challan system is not beir operative in accordance with the law governing the subject. It appears that either the traffic cops manning the system are not fully trained to operate the e- challaning system or traffic cops are not taking due care and caution at the time of initiation of e-challan. SSP Traffic (City), Srinagar is hereby directed to sensitize the traffic officials dealing with e-challaning system so that the innocent persons will not be forced to face difficulties in future”.

The case stemmed from an erroneous e-challan issued to a vehicle bearing registration number JK01AL-2038 for a traffic violation. However, it was later discovered that the violation was actually committed by a vehicle with a similar registration number, JK01AF-2038.

Assailing the traffic challan, the applicant, represented by counsel Tawseef Manzoor Bhat, argued that the mistake caused undue inconvenience and financial burden.

After careful consideration of the evidence and arguments presented, the court found that the e-challan was issued erroneously due to the inadvertence of the issuing officer.

“it is quite clear that vehicle bearing registration No. JK01AL-2038 has been wrongfully e-challned due to the inadvertence and carelessness of the challaning officer/S.O present on the spot on the day of occurrence namely Shah Nawaz Inspector No. 117/PAU for his inadvertence and carelessness. Actually the concerned S.O had to challan a vehicle JK01AF-2038 (Scooty), but due to inadvertence he has challaned another vehicle under registration No. JK01AL-2038 (Scooty) by virtue of e-machine and issued challan No. JK89171230202214002”, the court recorded.

In light of these findings the court not only dismissed the defective e-challan but also ordered compensation of Rs. 1000 to be paid to the applicant for mental agony, harassment, and legal fees.

Additionally, the court instructed the concerned officer to remain cautious and careful while issuing e-challans in the future.

Case Title: Suhail Manzoor Bhat Vs SSP Traffic Srinagar.

Counsel For Applicant: Advocate Tauseef Manzoor Bhat.

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