Supreme Court orders impounding vehicles with unpaid e-challans

The Court is addressing compliance with previous directions, specifically concerning pedestrian safety on Mathura Road and the implementation of electronic monitoring systems for traffic violations.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: S. Rajaseekaran; Respondents: Union of India and others; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwalla and Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan; Amicus Curiae: Mr. Gaurav Agrawal, Senior Advocate.

What the court decided

• The Court directed the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi to file a report on compliance with directions issued on 15th September 2026 regarding pedestrian safety on Mathura Road.
• The Court warned that if directions are not complied with, the Chief Secretary must personally appear before the Court on the next hearing date.
• The Court requested the Amicus Curiae to provide a chart detailing all directions issued by the Bench since it began monitoring the matter, including dates, timelines, and current implementation status.
• The Court directed the Amicus Curiae to call for information via interrogatories from the State counsel, who must respond appropriately.
• The Court directed all States and Union Territories to forthwith implement the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated 28th October 2025 prepared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for electronic monitoring and enforcement of road safety.

Also in the document

• The Court noted that it has been monitoring this litigation for almost 14 years, with the current Bench hearing it for over one year.
• The Court expressed concern that previous directions may remain 'on paper' if not implemented, warning of potential 'stern action' against authorities.
• The Court noted that a pedestrian crossing red light installed on Mathura Road remains non-functional on various occasions.