The Telangana High Court on Friday issued notices to the home secretary and the Director General of Police in a contempt case concerning the alleged violation of its earlier orders. Justice NV Shravan Kumar passed the directions while hearing a petition that claimed the Hyderabad traffic police had seized the petitioner's vehicle despite court orders prohibiting coercive measures or the seizure of vehicles during e-challan enforcement.
The court also issued notices to the joint commissioner of police (Traffic), Hyderabad city; the transport commissioner; and the Chikkadpally traffic police personnel involved in the case. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 19.
Petitioner's Allegations
Vijay Gopal, counsel for the petitioner V Raghvendra Chary, argued that the High Court, in a petition filed by him in January, had issued directions to the state government and the authorities concerned not to resort to coercive steps against motorists for pending challans. Despite this, on April 9 at RTC X Roads, Chikkadpally traffic police allegedly seized a scooter belonging to a practicing advocate, citing pending challans against the vehicle.
Gopal further stated, "The police did not accept the digital RC from RTA M-Wallet and further seized his original RC. He was humiliated in full public view, despite being willing to clear the pending challan."
Legal Context
The contempt petition highlights the tension between traffic enforcement and judicial directives. The High Court's earlier order aimed to protect motorists from aggressive collection methods, but the alleged seizure suggests non-compliance. The case underscores the importance of adherence to court orders by law enforcement agencies.
The court's decision to issue notices to multiple officials indicates a serious view of the alleged contempt. The next hearing on June 19 will likely address the response from the authorities and determine further action.
