The government often helps traffic violators by providing them concessions on the total challan penalty, helping them to settle traffic tickets without financially burdening them, which the Telangana High Court has expressed a strong objection to.
Yes, on November 26, 2025, during a hearing where the Telangana Integrated e-Challan system was challenged by one of the citizens, the High Court slammed the government’s practice to offer 25% - 75% discounts on the fine amount.
The court stated that offering discounts, after issuing traffic challans, contributes to increased indiscipline and erodes the fear of the law.
The case that raised concerns about the e-Challan system
On Wednesday morning, a hearing was held in the High Court relating to the incorrect issuance of the bike fine, during which the HC made strong statements.
V. Raghavendrachari, a resident of Tarnaka, Hyderabad, filed a petition objecting to the fine penalty for triple-riding violation. As per the violation ticket issued to him, he is imposed with a penalty amount of ₹1,235 (fine+user changes).
The case was heard by Justice N.V. Shravan, where the lawyer of the petitioner argued that, as per Section 128 read with Section 177 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, the fine for triple riding is ₹100 - ₹300. However, the amendment made to the act in 2019 revised the penalty amount for this violation to ₹1,000.
He further added that the Telangana government does not make any amendments in its traffic penalties, and thus, the fines should be issued as per the penalties listed under the 1988 act. Continuing the arguments, he asked for the explanation under which provisions this amount of fine is issued. He concluded his objections by raising a question on the legal provisions of the government for issuing challans.
On the contrary, Mahesh Raje, the Home Ministry lawyer, clarified that the complete details about the rules, legal provisions are not yet fully incorporated in the current challan system, but the authorities are taking the necessary actions to include them.
Upon hearing the statements of both parties, Justice N.V. Shravan further added that the traffic challans should be issued under the Central Motor Vehicle Act 167. As stated by the government’s lawyers, while the system is being developed, the judge ordered him to submit the details of the stage of the detail incorporation.
The judge adjourned the court till December 09, asking to examine the issue of imposing a fine of ₹1,235 when the actual penalty under Section 184 of the Act for the stated violation is ₹1,000.
Why High Court Criticise Offering Discounts on e-Challans?
The case raises a big question on the legality of the TS e-Challan. The High Courts raise concerns about the current e-Challan system and the state governments’ practice of offering hefty discounts to cover the traffic challan arrears.
The court brings to notice some critical consequences that arise from these discounts:
- Increased indiscipline.
- Weakening the fear of legal proceedings and the law.
The court was adjourned until the next hearing on December 09, but the sensational statements made by the justice drew everyone’s attention towards the current e-Challan system, raising a question about the traffic enforcement mechanism in the state.
Though the court’s objection has created a buzz among the vehicle owners who have a lot of pending challans. For those looking to get a discount on the e-Challans, the upcoming National Lok Adalat 2025 emerges as a last ray of hope for them. Go to the Lok Adalat registration link and secure a token to get discounts on the outstanding challans.
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