Karnataka Govt Clarifies on HSRP: No Immediate Action on Mandatory Fixation of Number Plates
Bengaluru: The Government of Karnataka has issued a detailed clarification regarding the implementation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles, stating that no immediate coercive or precipitative action will be taken in the matter until further decisions are made.
The clarification applies to all vehicles registered prior to April 1, 2019. The Transport Department has reiterated that while HSRP installation remains a regulatory requirement, enforcement actions have been temporarily paused in compliance with ongoing legal proceedings.
As per the notification, the Central Government had mandated the implementation of High Security Registration Plates under the Motor Vehicles Act for all vehicles manufactured after April 1, 2019. Subsequently, Karnataka extended the requirement to older vehicles registered before this date as well.
However, the matter has been under legal scrutiny. The Karnataka High Court, in its interim order dated August 17, 2023, directed the State to proceed cautiously regarding enforcement of HSRP for older vehicles.
Further, in Writ Appeal No. 1361/2023, the court observed concerns regarding the tendering process and implementation framework. Following this, on June 12, 2024, the State submitted before the court that it would not take any precipitative steps regarding the fixation of HSRP plates until further orders.
The government has now reiterated this position, stating:
“State would not take any further precipitate steps/action/decision in the matter relating to and regarding fixation of HSRP plates to vehicles in Karnataka.”
Officials clarified that while no penalties or strict enforcement measures will be undertaken for now, vehicle owners are still encouraged to comply voluntarily with HSRP norms.
The implementation of HSRP across India is also linked to directions issued by the Supreme Court in the landmark case WP No. 13029/1985 (M.C. Mehta vs Union of India & Others), which emphasized standardized vehicle identification for improved security and regulation.
The Transport Department emphasized that future action will depend on final court directions and policy decisions. Until then, the current approach will focus on awareness and voluntary compliance rather than enforcement.
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