Car modification is illegal in India. Any kind of modification including the addition of aftermarket accessories is not allowed. A Jammu and Kashmir court imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on Zahid Iqbal Wani for modifying a Mahindra Thar SUV.

The court cited the contravention of Section 52 of the Indian Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. In the judgement after the violator appeared before the court and pleaded guilty to modifying the vehicle from its original condition. The present state of the Mahindra Thar was different compared to the specifications on the registration certificate of the vehicle.

Also read: Buying a pre-owned Mahindra Thar is better than buying a new one: 5 reasons

Court judgement said,

Since the violator has contravened the provision of MV Act, therefore after considering the fact that no previous violation has been proved and after taking a lenient view, a fine of Rs. 5000 only, is imposed and in default of payment of fine he shall suffer one-month simple imprisonment. The challan is accordingly disposed of and shall be consigned to records after its due completion,”

Court order to remove modifications

Additional Special Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Srinagar Shabir Ahmad Malik also directed the remove all the modifications and restore the vehicle to its original state.

The RTO Kashmir at Srinagar is directed to remove all the modifications those were done in contravention to the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act and rules and restore the vehicle (Thar) to its original position as specified in thee Registration Certificate (RC) of the vehicle originally specified by the manufacturer,

The price paid for removing the modifications and extra fittings will be recovered from the violator. The process will be filmed and will be submitted before the court.

Modifications of cars in India

Apart from other fuel options, certain changes can