The digitalisation of traffic enforcement in India has significantly improved transparency and accountability. Through the e-challan system, traffic violations are recorded electronically and issued directly to vehicle owners. However, no digital system is completely error-free, like an ANPR camera may misread a number plate. As a result, you could receive a Parivahan challan for an offence you did not commit.

It is important to know what legal options are available to you. Challenging a wrong fine is not only about avoiding payment; it also helps ensure that your driving record remains correct and free from errors in the national database.

How to raise a complaint against an incorrect E-challan online?

The process to raise a complaint and dispute an E-challan online is simple:

1. Visit the official e-challan website.
2. Choose the “Complaint” tab and then select the “Grievance” option (if available for your state under the e-challan Parivahan system).
3. Enter the required details, and provide a clear reason for disputing the challan.
4. Upload supporting documents (if any).
5. Submit the complaint and note the acknowledgement or reference number generated by the system for tracking purposes.

What documents are required to dispute an E-challan online?

To successfully challenge a wrong E-challan through the official online process, keep the following documents ready:

• Copy of Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): This confirms the registered ownership details of the vehicle linked to the challan.
• Driving Licence Copy: Required to verify the identity of the driver associated with the alleged violation.
• Challan Number: This is the unique number assigned to the e-challan, which contains details such as the penalty amount, registered vehicle owner’s details, and violation information.
• Proof of Vehicle Transfer (if applicable): Sale agreement or delivery note can demonstrate that the vehicle was no longer in your possession at the time of the offence.
• Digital Evidence Contradicting the Offence: Dashcam footage, GPS logs or parking slips can help prove that your vehicle was not at the reported location.

Common reasons for receiving an incorrect challan

An e-challan is an electronically generated traffic violation notice issued by traffic authorities under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, (as amended). It replaces the traditional paper-based challan system.

When a violation is detected - either manually by an officer or through automated systems the challan is generated and linked to the vehicle’s registration number.

Although the e-challan parivahan system is designed for accuracy, certain issues may result in an incorrect challan:

• Incorrect Vehicle Number Recognition: Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems may misread a number plate.
• Duplicate E Challan Online Entries: The same offence may be recorded twice.
• Vehicle Sold but Not Transferred: Ownership details may not be updated in the Parivahan database.
• Incorrect Location/Time: The data log may place your vehicle at a location where it was never present.

How to track a complaint filed against an E-challan dispute?

After submitting a dispute request for a wrong challan, it is important to monitor the status regularly through the official e challan Parivahan portal:

1. Go to the Parivahan eChallan website and navigate to the ‘Online Services’.
2. Choose ‘eChallan’ and click on ‘Grievance.’
3. Enter the ‘Challan Number’ and click on ‘Check Ticket Status’.
4. The current status of the wrongly issued challan will then be displayed on the page.

What happens if you ignore an incorrect E-Challan?

Ignoring an incorrect challan may seem harmless, particularly if you believe the notice was issued in error. However, even a wrongly generated e challan online entry remains active in the system until it is either paid or formally challenged, and it is generally advisable to raise a dispute within 30 to 60 days of issuance, depending on state guidelines.

If no action is taken, the following consequences may arise:

• The challan may be forwarded to the traffic court for further legal proceedings.
• Additional penalties or late fees may be imposed over time.
• Your vehicle or driving licence records may reflect a pending violation.
• Future transactions such as vehicle transfer or renewal processes may be delayed.

It is therefore advisable to either dispute the incorrect challan through the proper channel or proceed with online challan payment if the violation is valid. Taking timely action ensures that your driving record remains accurate within the national database and prevents unnecessary legal complications.

Important tips to consider while filing a complaint against an E-Challan

When raising a dispute for a wrong challan through the e challan online system, careful submission increases the chances of faster resolution.

• Verify all details before submitting: Ensure the vehicle number, challan number, and offence information are entered correctly to prevent errors in your complaint.
• Write a clear and factual explanation: Explain briefly why the e-challan is incorrect, referring to specific facts such as date, location, or vehicle status.
• Attach relevant and readable documents: Upload clear copies of your RC, driving licence, or other supporting evidence that directly relates to the dispute.
• Do Not Delay Filing the Complaint: Raise the dispute as soon as possible after noticing the incorrect e challan online entry.
• Keep a record of your submission: Save the acknowledgement number and take a screenshot of the confirmation page for future reference.

Conclusion

Raising a dispute in a timely manner helps safeguard your driving record and ensures that any incorrect violations are rectified within the system. It is advisable to review your e-challan status periodically so that you can respond promptly to any pending violation. For quicker access and a simplified experience, the platform is Park+, as it enables users to check e-challan details and manage their challan status instantly without navigating complex procedures.

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