Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Kerala High Court Criticises MVD Over Modified Rescue SUV
The Kerala High Court examined a case about an SUV that had been changed in ways that were not authorised.
The vehicle was used to help with flood rescue work in Aranmula.
It had six extra lights and other fittings.
The court said the authorities had not taken strong enough action.
The MVD gave the vehicle a Rs 5,000 fine.
Two MVD officials had earlier been suspended after issuing a challan to the vehicle.
The court also worried that wheels sticking out from the vehicle could hurt cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
It told the MVD and police to enforce vehicle-modification rules more strictly.
The case will be heard again on September 7.
The Kerala High Court criticised the MVD for taking inadequate action against a modified SUV used in flood rescue operations in Aranmula.
The SUV had six unauthorised additional lights and other alterations, but the MVD Enforcement Wing imposed only a Rs 5,000 fine.
Two MVD officials in Adoor were suspended after issuing the vehicle a challan for illegal alterations and lacking a pollution certificate.
The court noted that a March 11, 2024, e-challan remained pending and raised concerns about laterally projecting wheels endangering road users.
The MVD Enforcement Wing and police were ordered to ensure strict compliance with earlier directions, with the case listed for September 7.
- Who
- The Kerala High Court, the MVD Enforcement Wing, police, two suspended MVD officials in Adoor and the owner or users of the modified SUV.
- What
- The court criticised inadequate enforcement action against an SUV with unauthorised lights, fittings and other alterations.
- When
- The court examined the matter on August 21; the Transport Commissioner’s report was dated August 20, 2026, and the next hearing is scheduled for September 7.
- Where
- The SUV was used during flood rescue operations in Aranmula, while the matter was heard by the Kerala High Court in Kochi.
- Why
- The vehicle allegedly had unauthorised modifications, a pending earlier e-challan and wheels projecting laterally in ways the court said could endanger other road users.
Court and Road-Safety Concerns
Government Response
Adequacy of enforcement
Court and Road-Safety Concerns
The court said the MVD Enforcement Wing and police had failed to take effective action despite the vehicle’s unauthorised modifications and earlier court directions.
Government Response
The special government pleader said a proper report from the Transport Commissioner would be placed on record and sought additional time.
Risk to road users
Court and Road-Safety Concerns
The court warned that laterally projecting wheels could throw mud or water and endanger cyclists, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.
Government Response
The government’s reported response focused on submitting a further Transport Commissioner’s report; no separate position on the safety concern was stated.
- Court bench
- Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S.
- Vehicle use
- The SUV was used in flood rescue operations in Aranmula earlier in August.
- Unauthorised equipment
- The Transport Commissioner’s report recorded six unauthorised additional lights and other fittings.
- Fine
- The MVD Enforcement Wing imposed a Rs 5,000 fine.
- Earlier e-challan
- An e-challan issued on March 11, 2024, remained pending.
- Officials suspended
- Two MVD officials in Adoor were suspended after issuing a challan for illegal alterations and lack of a pollution certificate.
- Next hearing
- The case will be taken up again on September 7.
