Cuttack: In a significant ruling, the Orissa High Court on Tuesday has made it mandatory for vehicle owners to clear all pending traffic challans before obtaining a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
While disposing of a PIL, the HC directed that a Pollution Under Control Certificate cannot be issued unless outstanding challans against the vehicle are paid in full.
Appearing on behalf of the state government, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya informed the court that the provision is in accordance with Section 167, Sub-section (12) of the Motor Vehicles Act. He argued that the law empowers authorities to enforce such compliance to ensure adherence to statutory obligations.
After considering the submissions made by the Advocate General and examining the relevant legal provisions, the High Court delivered its verdict affirming that clearance of pending challans is a prerequisite for the issuance of a PUCC.
Earlier, on December 20, 2025, the State Transport Authority (STA) had issued an order making a valid PUCC mandatory for purchasing fuel at petrol pumps.
However, in January this year, the state government announced its decision to withdraw the ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ order.
