How to Complaint Against Wrong Traffic Challan: Complete Guide for Indian Citizens  

Here's a question for you. Imagine you just received a traffic challan for ₹5,000, but you're absolutely certain you weren't driving recklessly or breaking any traffic rules that day. You have proof, maybe a dashcam video or witness statements. Do you just pay up and move on? Or is there a way to actually challenge it?  

Most people don't realise this, but you have every right to contest an e-challan if you believe it was issued incorrectly or the amount seems unjustified.   

State governments across India have established digital grievance redressal portals that put power back in your hands, allowing you to file complaints, track their progress, and get resolutions, all without having to visit multiple government offices or deal with endless paperwork.  

How to Dispute an Incorrect E-Challan by Traffic Police

Follow the step-by-step grievance process below to verify the challan, gather supporting evidence, and file an official complaint with the Traffic Police or Transport Department through your state portal.

Before filing any grievance, confirm the challan actually exists in official systems. Fake challan scams have increased as a result. 

Go to the Parivahan Sewa portal (parivahan.gov.in): 

• Click on "Check Online Services" 
• Select "Check Challan Status" 
• Enter your vehicle registration number 
• Enter the chassis number (last 5 digits) 
• View all challans against your vehicle 

Cross-verify the challan number, date, and amount with what you received via SMS/email. 

If it doesn't appear on Parivahan, it's likely fake. Report it to cybercrime.gov.in instead of filing a grievance. 

Your evidence must clearly prove one thing: the challan is wrong. 

Create a folder (digital or physical) with these documents: 

1. Essential Documents (Required for All Cases): 

• Clear photograph or scan of the challan 
• Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC book) - both sides 
• Your driving license 
• Vehicle insurance copy (shows ownership continuity) 

2. Location Mismatch Cases: 

• FAST tag toll transaction receipts for that date/time 
• Fuel bills showing location and time 
• Parking tickets from different locations 
• GPS/location data if your vehicle has a tracker 
• Office/workplace attendance log 
• CCTV footage, if available (from where you actually were) 
• Witness affidavits (if someone was with you) 

3. Duplicate Number Plate Cases: 

• Police FIR copy (you must file this first) 
• Your vehicle's photographs showing the actual number plate 
• Chassis and engine number verification document 
• Service records showing your vehicle's location history 
• Any previous challan photographs showing your actual vehicle 

4. Technical Error Cases: 

• Vehicle manufacturer's speed specification certificate 
• GPS tracker data export (with timestamp) 
• Dashcam footage (if available) 
• ADAS system logs (for modern vehicles with driver assistance) 

5. Payment Error Cases: 

• Payment receipt (from bank/payment gateway) 
• Bank statement showing a debit 
• Screenshots of payment confirmation 
• Any email confirmations received 

6. Legal Exemption Cases: 

• Religious identity proof (for Sikh helmet exemption) 
• Medical certificates (if any medical exemption applies) 
• Copies of relevant MV Act sections 
• Previous police verification (if you've been stopped and cleared before) 

Pro tip: Convert all documents to PDF, with a maximum file size of 2 MB. Most portals have upload limits. 

We will use Maharashtra's Aaple Sarkar as the example, but the process is similar across states. 

• https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/
• Click "New User Registration" 
• Select "Citizen" as user type 
• Enter your full name (exactly as per Aadhaar) 
• Select your district 
• Enter your mobile number (this becomes your username) 
• Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, one uppercase, one number, one special character) 
• Enter the captcha code 

Mobile Verification: 

• You'll receive an OTP on your mobile 
• Enter it within 5 minutes 
• Click "Verify" 

Complete Your Profile: 

• Log in with your mobile number and password 
• Go to the "Profile" section 
• Add your complete address 
• Add alternate contact number (optional but recommended) 
• Upload a photograph (optional) 
• This registration works for all future grievances. You never need to do it again. 

Before you can file a grievance, the portal shows you a checklist. It's designed to ensure your complaint goes to the right department. 

The checklist typically asks: 

✔️ "I have read the citizen charter."  

What this means: The citizen charter explains what each department does and doesn't handle. For traffic challans, you need the Transport Department or the Traffic Police. 

✔️ "I have verified this grievance should be filed at the District Level."  

What this means: Individual challan disputes are district-level matters. State-level grievances are for policy issues affecting multiple people. 

✔️ "I have all the required documents ready for upload."  

What this means: Once you start fillingout the form, you can't save it as a draft. Have everything ready before you begin. 

✔️ "I understand the resolution timeline is 30 working days."  

What this means: Your case will be resolved within this period. Don't expect instant responses. 

✔️ "I confirm I haven't already filed this grievance elsewhere."  

What this means: Don't file the same complaint on multiple portals or with multiple departments. Choose one channel. 

Only after you check all boxes can you proceed to file your grievance. 

Now you're at the actual grievance form. Every field matters. Let me explain each one: 

Select Department: 

• For traffic challans, select: "Home (Police)" or "Transport Department." 
• If you're unsure, select "Transport Department" (they'll route it if needed) 

Select Sub-Department: 

• Look for "Traffic Police" or "Motor Vehicles Department" 

Select Category: 

• Choose "Traffic Challan Dispute" or "E-Challan Complaint" 
• If this specific category doesn't exist, choose "General Complaint." 

Subject Line: (Maximum 200 characters) Write a clear, specific subject.  

Add a detailed description on this, like all the information related to the  

• Challan Number 
• Date of Issue 
• Time 
• Location 
• Alleged Violation 
• Penalty Amount 
• Vehicle Number 

Requirements to File an E-Challan Grievance

Explain the issue in 2–3 clear paragraphs and upload all relevant documents and proof when filing your e-Challan grievance.

1. Challan copy 
2. Vehicle RC 
3. Toll receipts (Samruddhi Expressway entry and exit) 
4. Fuel bill from Nagpur dated 15/01/2026 at 11:00 AM 
5. Office attendance register copy 
6. Witness statement from a colleague who travelled with me 

Try to keep things short and simple. No need to write essays.  

Upload Documents: Click Add Attachment 

• Upload a maximum of 5 documents (most portals limit this) 
• Each file maximum of 2MB 
• Accepted formats: PDF, JPG, PNG 

Enter Your Contact Details: 

• These should auto-fill from your profile 
• Verify the mobile number and email are correct 
• Add alternate number if available 

Verification:

• Enter the captcha code
• Review everything one final time
• Click "Submit"

The moment you click submit, the system generates a unique token number. This looks something like: MH/2026/12345, or in delhi it will look like DL/TRAF/2026/98765 

Do these things immediately: 

1. Take a screenshot - Don't just write it down 
2. Save the confirmation email - Mark it as important 
3. Save the SMS - Don't delete it 
4. Write it in your diary/calendar - Old school but effective 
5. Create a reminder - For 20 days from the filing date to check the status 

You'll need this token number for everything: checking status, sending reminders, escalating, or contacting the helpline. 

Don't just file and forget. Active tracking increases resolution speed. 

Log in to the portal every 5-7 days: 

• Click "Track Grievance" 
• Enter your token number 
• Click "Search" 

You'll see a timeline showing: 

• Registered: Your complaint was received (Day 0) 
• Forwarded to Department: Sent to traffic police (Day 1-3) 
• Assigned to Officer: A specific officer now handles it (Day 3-7) 
• Under Investigation: Officer is reviewing your evidence (Day 7-20) 
• Action Taken: Decision made (Day 20-30) 
• Closed: Case resolved (Day 30) 

At each stage, you can see: 

• Current status 
• Who's handling your case 
• Any remarks/comments from the officer 
• Action taken date 
• Expected resolution date 

If your case is stuck at one stage for more than 10 days, it's time to send a reminder. 

Most portals have a built-in reminder feature. Use it like this: 

• Click the Send Reminder button on your grievance tracking page 
• Select reason: "Delay in Resolution" or "Awaiting Response." 
• Add a polite note: "Request you to please expedite the resolution as the deadline is approaching." 
• Click "Send" 

The system sends an automated notification to the assigned officer. This gets logged officially and creates accountability. 

Send reminders at: 

• Day 15 (if no action taken) 
• Day 25 (if approaching deadline) 
• Day 32 (if deadline passed) 

Don't spam reminders daily. That reduces their effectiveness. 

If day 30 passes and your case shows under investigation or no action, because we have seen such cases very often: 

1️⃣ First-Level Escalation: Nodal Officer 

• On your grievance tracking page, click "Escalate." 
• Select "Resolution Deadline Exceeded" 
• The system automatically escalates to the Nodal Officer (typically a Deputy Commissioner-level officer) 
• Add a short note 

The Nodal Officer has the authority to directly order action on your case. 

2️⃣ Second-Level Escalation: State Authority. If Nodal Officer escalation also doesn't work (15 more days pass): 

• File a fresh grievance at the "State Level." 
• Subject: "Delay in resolution of grievance token number." 
• Reference your original grievance number 
• Explain that both the district level and the Nodal Officer level have not responded 
• This escalation reaches the Mantralaya (State Secretariat) level 

3️⃣ Third-Level: CM's Portal (Last Resort). If even state-level escalation fails: 

• File directly on the Chief Minister's grievance cell portal 
• Attach all previous correspondence 
• This typically triggers immediate action as it's high-visibility 

Sometimes the investigating officer needs additional information. You'll get a notification: Query Raised - Response Required 

Log in and check what's asked. Common queries: 

• "Please submit the original challan copy" (they need a clearer image) 
• "Provide vehicle GPS data for the entire day" (they want a complete timeline) 
• "Submit notarised witness affidavit" (your witness statement needs legal validation) 

Respond within 7 days. If you don't, your case might get closed as "No Response from Complainant." 

Upload the requested documents and click "Submit Response." 

After investigation, you'll get one of these outcomes: 

Outcome 1 → Grievance Accepted - Challan Cancelled 

• Status changes to "Resolved In Favour of Complainant" 
• You receive an official cancellation letter 
• The challan amount gets reversed in the system 
• Parivahan portal updates to show zero dues 

If you already paid, the cancellation order will note Refund Initiated. The refund will arrive in 30-45 days via NEFT to your registered bank account. 

Outcome 2 → Grievance Partially Accepted - Penalty Reduced 

• Original violation confirmed, butthe  amount was excessive 
• Penalty reduced to the correct amount as per the MV Act 
• You need to pay the reduced amount 
• Example: ₹5,000 challan reduced to ₹500 

Outcome 3 → Grievance Rejected - Challan Upheld 

• The officer provides detailed reasons for rejection 
• Evidence review findings shared 
• You must pay the original penalty 
• You have the option to escalate or approach the virtual court 

Read the detailed remarks. Sometimes rejections occur due to technicalities that can be resolved through escalation. 

Why Wrong Challans Are More Common Than You Think 

Most traffic fines are now issued automatically through e-Challan systems, and mistakes can sometimes result in incorrect challans. Common causes include:

📌 Confusing Enforcement: You parked his scooter exactly where traffic police told you to, in a designated parking barrier with fifty other vehicles parked there.  

All got challans for wrong parking. All were issued by different police due to confusion. 

📌 Camera Glitches: Systems often misread number plates or fail to recognise exemptions (like Sikhs wearing turbans). 

📌 Cloned Plates: Fraudsters duplicate number plates, causing innocent owners to receive fines for violations committed by others. 

📌 Ghost Violations: The camera captured someone else without a helmet, but the challan was issued to your vehicle.  

This happens when camera software misreads number plates or when enforcement officers manually enter incorrect registration numbers while processing bulk challans. 

The 7 Valid Reasons to File a Grievance Against Incorrect Traffic Challan

If you receive a challan, check if it falls into one of these categories. If it does, you have strong grounds to contest it. 

✅ Location Mismatch (You weren't there): Sometimes you get a challan even if you were in a different city or area at the time of the fine. 

You can get away from this by providing evidence such as toll receipts, office attendance logs, credit card transaction history, or other records. 

✅ Wrong Vehicle Identity: The photo in the challan shows a different car model, colour, or a slightly different number plate. 

• Proof: Your RC book and photos of your actual vehicle. 

✅ Duplicate Number Plate (Identity Theft): Someone is using a fake plate with your number. They will violate the law, and you will be penalised. 

What you should do: File an FIR immediately. Use location evidence to prove your car was elsewhere. 

✅ Legal Exemption: The system flagged you despite a legal exemption (e.g., a Sikh wearing a turban instead of a helmet). 

Proof: Cite the specific Motor Vehicles Act section (e.g., Section 129). 

✅ Technical Glitches: Impossible data, such as a budget car recorded at 144 km/h, or timestamps showing the car in two places at once. 

These are the senseless cases. All you need to provide is the manufacturer specs (top speed) or GPS tracker data. 

✅ Payment Already Made, but System Shows as Pending: You paid the challan immediately, have the payment receipt, but the system still shows it as pending, and you're receiving recovery notices. 

This is a purely administrative error. Submit payment proof and bank statement.  

✅ Wrong Penalty Amount: The fine amount is higher than what the law prescribes for that specific offence. If you're charged ₹5,000 for a violation that carries a ₹500 penalty, that's illegal. 

Cross-verify the correct penalty in the MV Act schedule and cite the specific section.  

The State-by-State Grievance Portal Map: Where to File Your Complaint? 

India operates on a decentralised traffic enforcement system. Each state has its own portal, procedures, and timelines. Here's your complete guide: 

1. Maharashtra: Aaple Sarkar Portal 

• aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in 
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Nodal Authority: District Collector's Office 
• Language Support: Marathi, English 
• Mobile App: Available (Aaple Sarkar) 

2. Delhi: Delhi Janhit Portal 

• https://udd.delhi.gov.in/node/57270 
• Resolution Timeline: 21 working days 
• Nodal Authority: Transport Department 
• Language Support: Hindi, English 

3. Uttar Pradesh: Jansunwai Portal 

• jansunwai.up.nic.in 
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Nodal Authority: Chief Minister's Office (for escalations) 
• Language Support: Hindi, English 
• Special Feature: Direct CM oversight for delayed cases 

4. Karnataka: Sakala Portal 

• https://sakala.kar.nic.in/ 
• Resolution Timeline: 15 working days (fastest in India) 
• Nodal Authority: District administration 
• Language Support: Kannada, English 

5. Tamil Nadu: CM's Special Cell 

• https://www.tn.gov.in/
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Nodal Authority: Chief Minister's Office 
• Language Support: Tamil, English 
• Special Feature: Direct chief ministerial intervention possible 

6. Gujarat: CM Dashboard (Samadhan Portal) 

• samadhan.gujarat.gov.in 
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Language Support: Gujarati, English, Hindi 

7. Rajasthan: Rajasthan Sampark Portal 

• https://sampark.rajasthan.gov.in/
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Language Support: Hindi, English 

8. West Bengal: Paschimbanga Janasampark Portal 

• https://cmo.wb.gov.in/landing/landing-dashboard
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Language Support: Bengali, English 

9. Telangana: T-Seva Portal 

• https://ts.meeseva.telangana.gov.in/meeseva/home.htm
• Resolution Timeline: 21 working days 
• Language Support: Telugu, English 

10. Haryana: Haryana Samadhan Portal 

• harsamadhan.gov.in 
• Resolution Timeline: 30 working days 
• Language Support: Hindi, English 

11. For Union Territories and Other States: 

If your state isn't listed, use the national CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) at pgportal.gov.in. While not state-specific, it routes complaints to the right authorities. 

• Review everything one final time 
• Click "Submit" 

Virtual Court: When Your Grievance Needs Judicial Intervention 

Sometimes a grievance rejection is final at the administrative level, but you still have strong evidence. That's when virtual court becomes your next step. 

What Is Virtual Court? 

Virtual Court is an e-Court system under the eCourts Mission Mode Project where traffic violations are adjudicated online without physical court appearances. 

Currently operational in: Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and 15 other states. 

When to Approach Virtual Court?

• Your grievance was rejected, but you have new evidence 
• The rejection reasoning was inadequate 
• You want judicial scrutiny of the challan 
• The penalty amount is substantial (above ₹3,000) 

How Virtual Court Works?

1. Filing: You submit a petition online via vcourts.gov.in or your state's virtual court portal 
2. Documentation: Upload the same evidence plus the grievance rejection order 
3. No Physical Appearance: Everything happens online 
4. Legal Arguments: You can submit written arguments or hire a lawyer 
5. Judgment: Magistrate reviews and issues an order online 
6. Timeline: 60-90 days typically 

When It's Worth It: If your challan is ₹5,000+ and you have strong evidence, virtual court makes financial sense. For challans below ₹1,000, the cost-benefit equation doesn't favor litigation. 

When Grievances Don't Work? 

You still have this option; the Right to Information Act is an underutilized but powerful tool for traffic challan disputes. 

When to Use RTI: 

• Your grievance has been pending for 45+ days 
• You got a rejection, but the reasoning was vague 
• You suspecta  camera malfunction or a technical error 
• You want to verify the officer's credentials who issued the challan 

How RTI Helps Your Grievance: When you file RTI, you often get information that strengthens your grievance against wrong traffic fine: 

• Camera not calibrated for 8 months = strong ground to contest 
• 45 other challans from the same camera cancelled = pattern of error 
• The officer who issued your challan was on leave that day = administrative error 

You can then file a fresh grievance or escalation with this new evidence. 

Understanding Your Legal Right to Contest 

Most people don't realise this, but contesting a wrong challan isn't asking for a favour. It's your constitutional right. 

The legal framework exists at multiple levels: 

🔹Constitutional Foundation: Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which courts have interpreted to include protection against arbitrary state action. An unjustified traffic penalty is an arbitrary state action. 

🔹Motor Vehicles Act Provisions: The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (amended 2019) establishes clear procedures for traffic enforcement. Section 207 specifically requires that challans must be issued with proper evidence and that citizens have the right to contest penalties. 

🔹State Grievance Redressal Frameworks: Every state has established grievance mechanisms through Government Resolutions. Maharashtra's Public Grievance Redressal Act, 2015, mandates 30-day resolution timelines. Similar frameworks exist in Uttar Pradesh (Jan Sunwai Portal), Karnataka (Sakala), Tamil Nadu (CM's Special Cell), and other states. 

🔹Right to Information Act, 2005: If you're not getting responses through grievance portals, RTI gives you another weapon. You can demand the specific evidence used to issue your challan, the officer who issued it, the speed camera's calibration certificate, and the maintenance log for the traffic surveillance equipment. 

What This Means Practically: You cannot be forced to pay a challan without being shown evidence. You cannot be denied the right to challenge the evidence.  

You cannot be ignored when you file a legitimate grievance. If any of these happen, the authorities are violating established legal procedures. 

How DigiLawyer Can Help?

Fighting a wrongful challan is your constitutional right, but navigating government portals, understanding the Motor Vehicles Act, and formatting evidence can be overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. DigiLawyer simplifies this entire process for you. 

Here is how simple it is to fight a wrong challan with us:

• Share Your Details: Simply upload your challan copy and any evidence (like RC or toll receipts) to our secure platform.
• Legal Analysis: Our experts review your documents and draft a legally sound grievance citing the correct sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Filing & Tracking: We guide the filing process on the correct state portal and actively track the token number for you.
• Resolution: You get your peace of mind back while we handle the reminders and escalations required to get your challan cancelled or reduced.

FAQs Related to Filing a Challan Grievance