Bengaluru vehicle owners are facing unexpected fines for air and noise pollution despite holding valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, raising concerns over the accuracy of nationwide enforcement systems. Many penalties, reaching up to Rs 10,000, have been issued by other states, including Odisha and Goa, triggered automatically through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed on national highways.
Several Bengaluru residents have reported receiving wrongful e-challans. Sameer Ranjan Bakshi, for instance, was fined by the Odisha Transport Department at Karapadu Toll Plaza for allegedly driving without a valid PUC, even though his certificate remains valid until June 2026. The PUC included the car’s photograph, hologram, and official authentication, but the automated system flagged it incorrectly. Another vehicle owner in Goa received a similar notice despite obtaining a valid PUC just days prior, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.The issue appears to stem from inconsistencies in the central Parivahan database, which fails to reflect updated PUC details for Karnataka-registered vehicles accurately. As a result, enforcement systems in other states are incorrectly penalising motorists who have fully complied with emission norms.
Transport experts note that the adoption of ANPR cameras and automated penalty systems was intended to enhance compliance and curb pollution. However, flaws in database integration can lead to wrongful fines, eroding public trust in digital enforcement. Observers emphasise the need for reliable inter-state data sharing and real-time verification mechanisms to prevent such errors and ensure fairness.Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the issue has been brought to his attention. Officials have been instructed to investigate the database discrepancies and coordinate with other states’ transport departments to ensure that valid PUC certificates are recognised accurately, preventing further wrongful penalties.
Authorities advise car owners to retain hard copies of PUC certificates and report any discrepancies in e-challans promptly. The incident underlines the importance of technological precision in urban transport management, particularly as cities expand and inter-state travel increases. Accurate and responsive systems are critical not only for regulatory compliance but also to maintain public confidence in automated governance solutions.As India’s urban transport ecosystem becomes increasingly digitised, resolving these PUC-related discrepancies will be essential to supporting seamless, fair, and environmentally responsible mobility for millions of vehicle owners across state borders.
