SC issues show-cause order against illegal license and blue book seizures

Kathmandu, October 27 — The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order in response to a writ filed against the traffic police for illegally seizing driving licenses and blue books. 

Advocate Bibek Chaudhary filed the writ, and during the first hearing, the Supreme Court ordered that a written response be submitted within 15 days. The writ was submitted on October 23, alleging that the traffic police had unlawfully taken control of the driving licenses and vehicle ownership certificates (blue books).

Judge Nahakul Subedi's bench requested a written response along with the show-cause order on October 24. According to current laws, the Traffic Police are only authorized to impose fines under the Transport Management Act, 1993 and its regulations from 1998. They do not have the authority to seize driving licenses or ownership certificates, yet such practices have been occurring, prompting the writ to seek an injunction against this action.

The writ claims that the traffic police cannot exercise powers not granted by law, and that unlawfully seizing an individual’s driving license and blue book constitutes an unconstitutional act. The Supreme Court has indicated that it will not issue an interim order at this stage.

The court stated that the matter would require interpretation upon reaching a final decision. The Supreme Court has also mentioned that it will schedule the case for hearing after receiving written responses from the opposing party, which includes the Government of Nepal and other related bodies.