Rajasthan High Court Orders Mandatory Automated Vehicle Fitness Testing from April 15
In a landmark decision aimed at enhancing road safety and eliminating corruption, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court has issued a strict directive mandating that all vehicle fitness inspections across the state must be conducted exclusively through automated testing stations starting April 15. This ruling effectively bans the issuance of new fitness certificates through manual procedures, targeting the notorious "jugaad system" that has plagued the transport department for years.
Court's Firm Stance Against Manual Fitness Certificates
A division bench comprising Justice PS Bhati and Justice Sandeep Shah delivered this verdict while disposing of various appeals filed by the state government. These appeals challenged orders passed by a single bench on September 25, 2025, which had granted certain relaxations regarding fitness centres. The court expressed strong disapproval of unfit vehicles operating on Rajasthan's roads and the corrupt practices associated with manual fitness certifications.
During the proceedings, the government's counsel acknowledged the state's commitment to implementing the automated system but cited operational and infrastructural constraints as hurdles to immediate statewide enforcement. Recognizing these practical challenges, the bench granted the government a grace period until April 15 to streamline the transition.
Key Directives and Implementation Guidelines
The court's ruling includes several crucial directives to ensure the smooth and strict enforcement of the automated testing scheme:
- Full Implementation from April 15: From this date onwards, the automated testing system will be considered fully operational, and manual inspections will no longer be permitted under any circumstances.
- Mandatory Visits to Automated Centres: If automated testing station (ATS) facilities are available only at limited locations post-April 15, vehicle owners must travel to the nearest centre to obtain fitness certificates. Lack of facilities or distance will not justify manual inspections.
- Expedited Processing of ATS Applications: The transport department has been ordered to prioritize and dispose of all pending applications for setting up ATS within 60 days.
- Deadline for Application Decisions: The court mandated that decisions on all applications received on or before July 31, 2025, must be taken by January 31.
This comprehensive judgment underscores the judiciary's resolve to modernize vehicle fitness testing, promote transparency, and safeguard public safety on Rajasthan's highways and urban roads.
