Odisha Govt Reviews Toll Fine Policy for Vehicles Without PUCC
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is considering reducing the hefty fines imposed on vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Currently, motorists face a penalty of Rs 10,000 at toll gates if they fail to produce the certificate.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stated that the government’s intention is not to burden citizens unnecessarily but to ensure compliance in a fair and practical manner.
He emphasised that while enforcement is necessary, penalties should not be excessive.
The High Court of Odisha recently ruled that vehicle owners must clear outstanding challans older than 90 days before applying for a PUC certificate.
It also dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the issuance of PUCs, reinforcing the requirement for strict adherence to pollution norms.
Officials noted that the review aims to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and public convenience, ensuring that compliance is achieved without disproportionately penalising vehicle owners.
