Seller who complied with transfer formalities can seek registration suspension if transferee fails to update ownership.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner is the registered owner of a vehicle 'Skoda Laura' bearing No.KL-07-BF-45, which is registered with the 1^st respondent. The petitioner sold the same to one S.Jegadambal, mother of the 2^nd respondent on 21.07.2011 and the possession and the original Registration Certificate were handed over to the purchaser. Thereupon, he intimated the transfer of the vehicle to the 1^st respondent. The 1^st respondent issued NOC in favour of the registering authority at Theni, Tamil Nadu as can be seen from Ext.P2. 2. The petitioner contends that despite complying with all the formalities in his capacity as a transferer, the transferee failed to transfer the ownership of the vehicle in the records of the Motor Vehicles Department and the ownership of the vehicle still stands in the name of the petitioner despite the lapse of 14 years. The petitioner further states that the vehicle has been gifted by the said Jegadambal to the 2^nd respondent as per Ext.P3 gift deed. The petitioner submitted Ext.P4 representation before the 1^st respondent seeking cancellation of the registration of the vehicle till the ownership of the vehicle is changed in the RC book by the purchaser/legal heirs of the purchaser.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Government Pleader and Adv.Arundhathi.R., the learned counsel for the 2^nd respondent.

4. In the facts and circumstances of the case, there will be a direction to the 1^st respondent to consider Ext.P4 in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment. It will be open to the petitioner to make necessary request before the 1^st respondent for suspension of the registration, pending final disposal of Ext.P4.

The writ petition is disposed of accordingly.