E-Challan is a digital ticket issued by the Government of India for the mishaps of traffic rule violations. As technology emerges with non-stop growth, cyberattacks, cyber frauds, and internet scams also increase!

Do you know or are you one of the victims of a false challan, an e-challan issued by mistake? Well, no need to panic. Violating traffic rules is surely a legal offence for which a traffic challan is also issued.

However, before the tech-savvy world, the challan was issued through the offline mode. But following the technological advanced world, the government has implemented the e-challan system for violating traffic rules, in which the fine is now deducted digitally.
However, even the best digital systems can make mistakes. Sometimes, an e-Challan is issued without any fault on your part. Whether it’s a misread number plate or a camera catching the wrong vehicle, these errors do happen. Studies and user reports show that a notable number of drivers face wrongful e-Challans each year.

Let’s understand what to do in case a wrong e-challan is issued in your name.

What is an e-Challan?

An e-Challan is an electronic ticket that one needs to pay for violating the traffic rules. It is an automatic system that is designed to snap your vehicle’s image and send the fine details via SMS, so wherein one can then simply pay this fine either online or offline, depending on their suitability.

What Is a Wrong E-Challan?

A wrong e-challan is when you’re fined for a traffic violation you didn’t commit. It happens for several reasons, as mentioned below:

• Technical Glitches that include Faulty cameras or software misidentifying your vehicle.
• Duplicate Fines happen when the same violation might be recorded multiple times.
• Number Plate Errors, aka The system could misread your vehicle’s registration number.
• Incorrect Time/Location means the challan might claim you were somewhere you weren’t.
• Human Mistakes can happen when Traffic officers might issue a challan by error.

How to File a Complaint For Wrong E Challan Online

Are you looking for the easiest way to dispute a wrong e-challan? Well, it is possible through the Parivahan eChallan website. A user-friendly portal that lets you submit your grievance from home.

Check E Challan Online to verify the details, and if you find any discrepancies, here’s how you can dispute it as well:

Steps to File a Complaint on Parivahan

1. Visit the Website: Go to Parivahan eChallan website.
2. Select Complaint Tab: Click ‘Complaint’ on the top menu to access the grievance system.
3. Enter Details: Provide your name, phone number, challan number, and other required info.
4. Choose the Issue: Select the error type from the drop-down (e.g., wrong vehicle number, incorrect violation). If it’s not listed, pick ‘Others’ and explain in the text box.
5. Submit: Click ‘Submit’ to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for verification.
6. Get Complaint Number: After verifying the OTP, you’ll receive an eChallan complaint number for tracking.

Note: You must file within 60 days of the challan’s issuance, as this is also the deadline to pay the fine.

Also Read:- Challan Penalties Andhra Pradesh vs Himachal Pradesh

How to File a Complaint For Wrong E Challan Offline

If online isn’t your thing or the website’s down, you can file a complaint offline via email or a letter.

• Email Method: Send an email to helpdesk-echallan@gov.in with the subject “Complaint against wrong e-challan.” Include your details, challan number, explanation of the error, and attach all proofs.
• Letter Method: Write a formal letter to your local traffic police department or Regional Transport Office (RTO). Include your details, challan number, reason for the complaint, and supporting documents. Send it via registered post for proof of delivery.

Tip: Keep copies of your email or letter for your records.

Documents Needed to File a Complaint

To make your complaint convincing, gather solid evidence. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Challan Number: The unique ID on your e-challan.
• Driving Licence Number: The DL number of the vehicle’s registered owner or the person named in the challan.
• Proof of Innocence:
  
  • Photos or videos proving you weren’t at the violation’s location.
  • Witness statements supporting your claim.
  • GPS logs, toll receipts, or parking invoices showing your actual location.
  • Any other relevant documents that back your case.

Strong evidence is key, as authorities will review it to decide your complaint.

When and How to Escalate a Complaint

If your complaint is rejected or you don’t hear back within 15 days, it’s time to escalate the issue. Here’s how:

• Check Status: Visit Parivahan eChallan, click ‘Track Status,’ enter your complaint number and Captcha, and check the progress.
• Re-Appeal via Email: If rejected, email helpdesk-echallan@gov.in again with a detailed explanation and all proofs.
• Visit RTO or Police Station: Go to your nearest RTO or traffic police station to discuss the issue in person.
• Seek Legal Help: For serious cases or persistent issues, consult a lawyer to appeal in court, as allowed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Escalation ensures your grievance gets a thorough review.

Tracking Your Complaint Status

Want to know if your complaint is moving forward? It’s super easy to check:

1. Go to the Website: Visit Parivahan eChallan.
2. Click ‘Track Status’: Find this option on the page.
3. Enter Details: Input your eChallan complaint number and the Captcha code.
4. View Status: Click ‘Check Status’ to see if it’s accepted, rejected, or under review.

Check regularly to stay updated, especially if you’re waiting for a response.

Also Read:- How to Check and Pay E Challan Online

Why Act Promptly?

Don’t sleep on a wrong e-challan. Acting fast is crucial for these reasons:

• Avoid Unfair Fines: You shouldn’t pay for a violation you didn’t commit.
• Prevent Legal Issues: Ignoring a challan can lead to a court summons or license suspension.
• Keep Your Record Clean: A wrongful challan can tarnish your driving history.
• Save Time and Money: Early action avoids bigger hassles later.
• Improve the System: Reporting errors helps fix glitches in traffic management.

Also Read:- What is Virtual Court Challan and How it is works?

Conclusion

Overall, if you fall victim to a wrong e-challan, remember that the police and the system can easily help you with the right details, just follow the steps mentioned above. We understand that wrongful e-Challans can be frustrating, but you have the power to fight back.

Remember, you must not pay for something that you did not commit, but at the same time, you cannot ignore the challan you ought to pay!