The High Court of Kerala passed a general order on Friday directing the release of all vehicles seized by police for alleged violations of lockdown guidelines on the vehicle owner executing a personal bond and on depositing copies of the license, RC Book and insurance certificate before the concerned Station House Officer.

A bench comprising Justices Raja Vijayaraghavan and T R Ravi passed the direction in a session held via video conferencing after noting that thousands of vehicles have been seized since March 24, and that they are lying in the premises of police stations exposed to the vagaries of nature.

The vehicles were seized for offences under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code for violating the lockdown guidelines, and also invoking powers under the Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020 promulgated by the State Government.

The Court passed the direction based on a request put forth by the Additional Advocate General, Renjith Thampan.

The owner should make an undertaking that the vehicle will be produced as and when required at the specified place, added the bench.

The bench also directed that the owners should pay fines in the manner as stated below :

Two wheelers and auto rickshaws - Rs 1000.

Light motor vehicles : Rs 2000



Stage carriage, contract carriages, medium goods vehicle : Rs 4000



Heavy goods vehicles : Rs 5000.

The Court clarified that the benefit of the order will not be available for repeat offenders.

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