TNI Bureau: The Orissa High Court ruled that vehicle owners must clear all pending traffic challans before obtaining a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
While disposing of a public interest litigation, the court directed that no PUCC shall be issued unless outstanding challans against the vehicle are fully paid. Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, appearing for the state government, informed the court that the provision is in line with Section 167(12) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which empowers authorities to enforce such compliance.
After examining the legal provisions and submissions, the court upheld that clearance of dues is mandatory for the issuance of a PUCC.
Earlier, on December 20, 2025, the State Transport Authority had made PUCC mandatory for fuel purchase at petrol pumps. However, the state government later withdrew the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ order in January this year.
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