Maharashtra Traffic Police Directed to Stop Forcing E-Challan Payments on Roads
In a significant move to curb harassment of motorists, the Additional Director General of Police (State Traffic) has issued a comprehensive circular to all traffic units across Maharashtra. The directive explicitly prohibits traffic police personnel from forcing drivers to pay pending e-challans directly on the roads or threatening them for unlawful payments.
Key Directives in the Circular
The circular, which follows a meeting between the Transport Minister and members of various transport associations on March 2, outlines several critical instructions:
- Pending fines are to be accepted only if voluntarily paid by the motorist, with no coercion permitted.
- Vehicles can be seized solely with a valid court order, preventing arbitrary confiscation.
- Traffic police must adhere to a standard operating procedure for recovering pending fines and seizing vehicles.
- Personnel are instructed to behave politely with all motorists at all times.
The transport associations had raised serious concerns during the meeting, alleging that transport vehicles were being detained on streets for extended periods to recover pending fines. They reported instances where unlawful payments were demanded from drivers who could not clear dues immediately, accompanied by threats of vehicle or document seizure.
Disciplinary Measures for Non-Compliance
The circular warns that disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against any traffic police personnel found violating these directives. This enforcement mechanism aims to ensure strict implementation of the new rules on the ground.
Bal Malkit Singh, a member of the Maharashtra Transporters Action Committee, welcomed the circular, stating, "Subsequent to our meeting and concerns raised by us regarding harassment and illegal recovery of e-challans, the authorities have issued clear orders to stop such practices. We hope directions will be strictly implemented on the ground."
Separate Circular for School and Tourist Buses
In a related development, the traffic department issued another circular addressing specific issues faced by school and tourist bus operators:
- Authorized school buses will not be issued no-parking challans at locations where they pick up or drop children, provided they operate within designated zones.
- Strict action will be taken against unauthorized vehicles ferrying schoolchildren to ensure safety compliance.
- Tourist buses with national permits are exempt from no-parking challans during the brief periods when passengers board or alight.
Ramesh Manian from the School Bus Operators' Association highlighted the need for a proper citywide schedule of authorized pickup and drop zones. "In the absence of such a schedule, operators work out stops themselves, often on busy roads. Traffic police issuing no-parking challans for halting briefly to ensure children's safety is absurd," he explained.
Harsh Kotak from the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana, representing tourist and corporate buses, expressed frustration over previous practices, noting that operators faced unnecessary challans despite following protocols.
These circulars represent a proactive step by Maharashtra authorities to streamline traffic enforcement, reduce harassment, and promote a more transparent and fair system for motorists and transport operators alike.
