Bhubaneswar: Tightening enforcement against traffic violations, the Odisha government has reiterated vehicles without valid documents will not be allowed to ply on roads across the state.

In a letter issued to transport officers, the Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the State Transport Authority (STA) directed strict action against violators. Officials have been instructed to seize vehicles operating without valid Registration Certificates (RC), Fitness Certificates (FC), permits, Registration Plates (RP), or other mandatory statutory compliances.

The Commissioner emphasised allowing such vehicles to continue operating without valid documents would be treated as a dereliction of duty on the part of enforcement officials.

The letter further clarified payment of a challan does not legalise the violation or permit continued non-compliance with statutory requirements.

Notably, enforcement authorities are empowered under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to seize or detain vehicles found violating the rules.

The directive also cited a Supreme Court ruling in the Paramjit Bhasin & Others vs Union of India & Others case. The power of compounding cannot be exercised in a manner that allows the continuation of an offence.

The Transport Commissioner has directed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Additional RTOs, and enforcement personnel to strictly implement these instructions with immediate effect.