TV
The State Regional Transport Office (RTO) recently seized a private bus in Cuttack and imposed a hefty fine of nearly Rs 10 lakh.
According to reports, the owner repeatedly failed to respond to notices sent by the Cuttack RTO, which had called him several times to clear pending road taxes and fines. The seizure was made during an inspection, after which the bus owner was compelled to pay the fine on Wednesday.
Documents Not In Order
Sources informed that the paperwork of the bus was not in order. The permit and other essential documents were found to be incorrect, further adding to the penalties imposed on the vehicle.
The total fine of Rs 9,92,756 included dues for road tax, penalties for non-payment, and charges related to the bus’s fitness and permit.
Owner Deposits Full Fine
After the seizure, the bus owner deposited the entire fine amount at the RTO office on Wednesday and subsequently took possession of the bus. He had allegedly not paid the road tax for a long time.
Missing the deadline led to the accumulation of a substantial fine, adding several lakhs to the original dues. Despite multiple notices being issued, no response was received from the owner prior to the seizure.
No reaction has been obtained from him following the payment either.
RTO Plans One-Time Settlement Scheme
This is not an isolated incident. In another recent case, a different bus owner had to pay around Rs 5 lakh as fine for failing to pay taxes on time.
With such cases becoming frequent, the RTO is now preparing a one-time settlement scheme aimed at encouraging vehicle owners to pay taxes and fines promptly.
