Calcutta High Court: Traffic Police Can’t Suspend Licences or Demand Cash Fines

The Calcutta High Court has held that traffic police have no power to impound, suspend, or revoke citizens' driving licences.

They may seize a license only under specific conditions stated in Section 206 of the Motor Vehicles Act, but must forward it to a court for cognisance. If the court finds the driver guilty, only the licensing authority can take further action.

The Court also ruled that police can’t demand cash fines or force drivers to compound offences if they wish to defend themselves against the allegations.

The Court slammed officers for misconduct, urged better training, and directed that official receipts be issued during any licence seizure. 

[Subhrangsu Panda v. The State of West Bengal & Ors]