The court upheld the right to a timely decision on vehicle registration applications under relevant transport laws.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner purchased a vehicle bearing Registration No.KL-10-BC-3200 having brand name 'Ashok Leyland Ecomet 1214' in an auction conducted by the 2^nd respondent-financier. Pursuant to the auction, the 2^nd respondent submitted Ext.P2 application under Rule 61(2) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules , 1989 for fresh registration certificate, as contemplated under Section 51 (5) of the Motor Vehicles Act , 1988, before the 1^st respondent. However, the status of the said vehicle is shown in the official website “Parivahan Sewa”of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as “Locked by Kondotty SRTO, Kerala”. The petitioner has filed this writ petition for the following relief:

“(i) Issue a writ of mandamus or any appropriate writ, order or direction commanding the 1^st respondent to remove the status of the vehicle bearing Registration No. KL-10- BC-3200 as “Locked by Kondotty SRTO, Kerala” and dispose of Ext.P2 application at the earliest.”

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned counsel for the 2^nd respondent and the learned Government Pleader. Though notice has been issued to the 3^rd respondent, there is no appearance.

In the facts and circumstances of the case and having considered the submissions made across the Bar, there will be a direction to the 1^st respondent to take a decision on Ext.P2 application for fresh registration certificate, in accordance with law, with notice to the petitioner and respondents 2 and 3, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.

The writ petition is disposed of accordingly.