Govt Introduces New Law Declaring Altered Vehicles as Smuggled

The government has introduced a new legal clause that strengthens enforcement against vehicle smuggling by targeting cars with altered or tampered identification details.

The provision, labeled Section 187A, establishes a legal presumption that any such vehicle is smuggled, even if officially registered.

Legal Presumption of Smuggling

Under Section 187A, any vehicle detained or seized under the relevant laws and found, through forensic examination, to have specific alterations will be presumed to be smuggled. These alterations include:

• A tampered chassis number,
• A cut-and-welded chassis,
• A chassis filled with welding material,
• A re-stamped chassis number, or
• A changed vehicle body.

If any of these conditions are met, the vehicle will be deemed smuggled and subject to confiscation, regardless of its registration status with a Motor Registration Authority.

Confiscation and Enforcement

Vehicles falling under this clause will be liable for immediate confiscation. The policy is designed to eliminate the use of forged documentation and chassis modifications that are often employed to legalize smuggled vehicles. Law enforcement agencies are now authorized to act based on forensic findings rather than relying solely on registration records.

Addressing Loopholes in Registration

Authorities have long struggled with the issue of smuggled vehicles entering the formal system through manipulated documentation and chassis alterations. The new provision aims to close these loopholes by placing the burden of proof on the owner once forensic evidence reveals tampering.