Punjab’s E-Challan System Challenged in Lahore High Court

A recent legal challenge in Lahore High Court has questioned the accuracy of Punjab’s e-challan system, which issues fines to motorists for traffic violations. The main concern raised is that motorists may be fined for violations they did not commit due to flaws in the identification process. The case was filed by Advocate Azhar Siddique as part of an ongoing constitutional petition.

One specific incident involved a Gujrat resident who received five e-challans for traffic violations in Lahore. However, photographs attached to the challans showed a different vehicle model than the one he was driving. The resident claimed he was in Naran at the time of the alleged violations and that his car was not in Lahore.

Another case involved a lawyer whose vehicle received four e-challans amounting to Rs. 11,000. The petitioner argued that relying solely on number plates for vehicle identification, without verifying the make, model, and color, increases the likelihood of incorrect fines being issued. He also maintained that simply mentioning an officer’s name on an e-challan does not prove that the violation was independently verified.

The application warned that failing to pay these fines could result in vehicle confiscation, restrictions on ownership transfers, and difficulties in making token tax payments. The petitioner urged the court to ensure transparency, accountability, proper human verification, and a mechanism for motorists to contest incorrect challans. He emphasized that technology should work to benefit citizens and not penalize them without proper verification.