Coercive Collection of Pending Traffic Challans Is Unlawful
Special Report by Way2RTI.com based on RTI Information & Telangana High Court Orders
Motorists have a responsibility to follow traffic rules. At the same time, they should know the duties and powers of traffic police and their own legal rights. Based on RTI information and Telangana High Court orders, here are the key points:
👮 Key Duties of Traffic Police
- Jt. CP: Supervises traffic policies, road safety and traffic management.
- DCP/Additional DCP/ACP: Responsible for traffic regulation, CCTV, accident-related matters and supervision of staff.
- SHO/Inspector: Enforces traffic laws and supervises drunk-driving checks and the e-Challan system.
- SI/ASI: Regulates traffic on roads, checks vehicle documents and issues challans as authorised.
- Head Constable/Constable/Home Guard: Mainly assists with traffic regulation, pedestrian safety and congestion management.
⚖️ High Court Orders on Pending e-Challans
In WP No. 36081/2025, the Telangana High Court issued important directions regarding recovery of pending challans:
- Vehicles should not be stopped and motorists forced to pay pending challans.
- Police should not resort to coercive measures such as forcibly taking vehicle keys or seizing vehicles merely for pending challans.
- Challans should be paid through the prescribed legal process.
- Recovery should follow lawful notice/court procedures.
📋 Who Has Authority to Issue Challans?
Under G.O.Ms.No.108, dated 18-08-2011, specific categories of authorised officers can issue traffic challans. In particular, SI-level and above officers, subject to the prescribed rules, have authority to issue challans for specified violations.
📊 Cyberabad Traffic Challan Statistics
2014–2026 (RTI information):
- Total cases: 3,39,36,161
- Contact/spot cases: 64,24,859
- Non-contact/e-Challan cases: 2,75,11,302
- Total penalty imposed: ₹1,529.70 crore
- Total penalty collected: ₹788.27 crore
In 2025, the highest number of cases was recorded at 39,20,329. Penalties of ₹260.65 crore were imposed, while ₹72.23 crore was collected.
🚘 What Can Motorists Do If a Challan Is Wrongly Issued?
- Check the designation and authority of the officer issuing the challan.
- Raise a grievance through the official Telangana e-Challan Grievance mechanism.
- If police resort to forced collection, taking vehicle keys or vehicle seizure merely for pending challans, the motorist may approach senior police authorities or the appropriate court.
⚠️ Important Message to Motorists
Following traffic rules is every motorist’s responsibility. At the same time, police officials must exercise their powers strictly within the limits prescribed by law.
Know the law. Follow the rules. Protect your rights.
Way2RTI.com — Public awareness through RTI information.
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