Narayan Ram S/O Sugana Ram v. Union of India
Case brief
What is this about?
The Rajasthan High Court examined the constitutional validity of Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, as amended by a 2021 notification. The amendment imposed a daily fee of Rs. 50 for delayed renewal of fitness certificates. The Court held that while the government can levy fees for services, the additional charge for post-expiry delay was arbitrary, lacked correlation with any service rendered, and functioned as a penalty. The Court declared the rule ultra vires and inoperative, directing transport authorities to stop levying the fee.
What did the court decide?
The note appended to Rule 81 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, imposing an additional fee for post-expiry delay, is declared ultra vires and inoperative. Respondents are directed not to levy this fee for renewal applications filed after expiry.