Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Kerala High Court Prompts Rs 50,000 Fine for Modified Rescue SUV
A modified SUV was used to help rescue people during floods in Aranmula.
The vehicle had extra lights and tyres that extended beyond its body.
These changes are not allowed under vehicle rules.
MVD officials first issued a smaller fine to the vehicle.
Two officials were suspended, but their suspension was later withdrawn after protests.
The Kerala High Court reviewed the case.
It directed that stronger action be taken.
The owner now must pay Rs 50,000, fix the vehicle, and show it to officials.
The Motor Vehicles Department imposed a total Rs 50,000 fine on a modified SUV used during flood-rescue operations in Aranmula.
The fine included Rs 20,000 for projected tyres and Rs 30,000 for six unauthorised additional lights.
The vehicle had initially received only a Rs 5,000 fine from the MVD Enforcement Wing.
The Kerala High Court examined the matter after two MVD officials were suspended for issuing a challan against the SUV.
The owner must remove the alterations and produce the vehicle before the MVD within seven days.
- Who
- The Kerala High Court, the Motor Vehicles Department, two MVD officials, and the SUV owner were involved.
- What
- The MVD imposed a Rs 50,000 fine on a modified SUV for unauthorised lights and projected tyres.
- When
- The vehicle was used during flood-rescue operations the previous month; the fresh notice was issued on September 1, and the court was scheduled to hear the matter again on September 7.
- Where
- Aranmula and Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
- Why
- The SUV had six unauthorised additional lights and tyres projecting beyond the vehicle’s body, and the court was examining road safety and illegal vehicle alterations.
Vehicle-Modification Enforcement
Rescue-Operation Context
Whether strict action was necessary
Vehicle-Modification Enforcement
The Kerala High Court and MVD treated the unauthorised lights and projected tyres as road-safety violations requiring a Rs 50,000 fine and corrective action.
Rescue-Operation Context
The SUV was being used in flood-rescue operations, and MVD officials protested after two colleagues were suspended for issuing a challan against it.
- Total fine
- Rs 50,000
- Projected-tyre violation
- Rs 20,000
- Unauthorised-light violation
- Rs 30,000 for six additional lights
- Initial fine
- Rs 5,000 imposed by the MVD Enforcement Wing
- Vehicle use
- Flood-rescue operations in Aranmula
- Compliance deadline
- The owner must rectify the alterations and produce the vehicle within seven days
- Next court hearing
- September 7