This post is news snippet covering– Due to the covid-19 pandemic & lockdown petitioner could not get the vehicle registered with authority of Panchkula as the counter dealing with process were closed. After lockdown over he visited to authority then official informed that Rs 1.57 lakh levied on him as a fine and interest because of delay in registration.

Introduction– The petitioner said he could not get registration of vehicle done as counters were closed due to lockdown.

Fine Over Delayed Vehicle Registration Due to Lockdown PHHC
Fine Over Delayed Vehicle Registration Due to Lockdown PHHC

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Facts of the case– The petitioner said he purchased a Mercedes car on March 17 and was issued a temporary registration number by the dealer. The number was valid till April 16 in the normal course of life.

However, due to the covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, the petitioner could not get the vehicle registered with authorities in Panchkula as the counters dealing with the process were closed. The central govt. issued a notification on May 21 extending the validity of documents covered under motor vehicle act and relating to vehicles till June 30.

The petitioner approached the registering authority on May 21 for registration of his vehicle. Officials informed him that late fine and interest of around Rs 1.57 lakh would be levied because temporary registration of vehicle was valid till April 16.

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The main grievance of petitioner was that now his vehicle would be registered only after payment of the motor vehicle tax, inclusive of the fine and interest, which is arbitrary. Because the govt. Had already extended the validity of documents related to motor vehicle upto September 30 in view of unprecedented covid-19 pandemic.

The petitioner has sought directions for waiver of fine imposed by state authorities for delay.

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Issue is pending– The PHHC has asked Haryana chief secretary, state transport commissioner and regional transport authority, Panchkula to file their replies by July 24, on the issue of levying fine for delay in submission of application for registration of new vehicle due to closure of govt. Offices during lockdown period.

Conclusion– As per the central govt. Guideline the validity of document related to motor vehicle extended upto June 30 which is further re-extend upto September 30, in the view of unprecedented covid-19 pandemic. If there is any unexpected situation arises due to that authorities shut down and registration got delayed and authority levied any fine for delay. Person can approach the high court under writ jurisdiction.

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For case specific advice related to writ matters in Punjab & Haryana High Court Chandigarh, one may contact best/top/expert writ lawyers in Chandigarh in Panchkula Mohali Kharar Zirakpur Derabassi etc.

This post is written by Ramandeep Kaur.

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