BJP Dominates Banda District in Uttar Pradeshs 2022 Assembly Elections
In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections, BJP secured three out of four seats in Banda, showcasing its political strength in the region. BJP Dominates Banda District in Uttar Pradeshs 2022 Assembly Elections
Two killed after speeding SUV collides with motorcycle in UP's Amroha
Digital Desk | Amroha (Uttar Pradesh), Nov 4 (IANS) Two people were killed after their motorcycle was struck by a speeding SUV in Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, officials said on Wednesday. According to the police, the two youths were returning home from Naugawan Sadat on their motorcycle when an SUV, approaching from the opposite direction, struck them head-on on the Bijnor Road, within the jurisdiction of the Amroha Nagar Kotwali (police station). After receiving the information, family members and locals gathered at the Nagar Kotwali, demanding action against the responsible driver. Police officers arrived at the scene and calmed the crowd. The police have sent both bodies for post-mortem examinations and have initiated an investigation into the incident. The deceased have been identified as Prashant and Rajiv. According to eyewitnesses, the impact was so severe that both men were thrown onto the road and sustained critical injuries. A crowd gathered at the scene immediately after the accident. Locals rushed both men to the hospital, but doctors declared them dead upon examination. The father of the deceased, Prashant, has submitted a formal complaint to the police, demanding action against the driver of the SUV. Meanwhile, a commotion broke out within the police station premises as people demanded strict action against the accused driver. Upon receiving information of the commotion, City Circle Officer (CO) Pradeep Kumar arrived at the Nagar Kotwali (city police station) with a police team. Police officials spoke with the agitated crowd and the families of the deceased, assuring them that action would be taken in accordance with the law. After much persuasion, the crowd's anger subsided. Subsequently, the police took custody of both bodies and sent them for post-mortem examinations. According to the police, an investigation has been initiated. Further details are awaited.
Congress, INDIA bloc turning frustration into politics of anarchy: CM Yogi
Digital Desk | Gorakhpur, Nov 4 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday accused the Congress and the INDIA bloc of turning their frustration over repeated electoral defeats into what he termed a politics of anarchy, asserting that disrespecting the peoples mandate reflected a lack of clarity, capacity and credibility among their leaders. CM Yogi made the remarks ahead of participating in the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao padyatra in Gorakhpur, alongside party National President Nitin Nabin. In a statement posted on X, the Chief Minister said (in Hindi), The Congress and INDIA alliance, which is setting new records of defeat in elections, has now turned their frustration into a politics of anarchy. There is a complete lack of clarity, capacity, and credibility among their leaders. Disrespecting the mandate is the result of this very mindset. Calling for public awareness against what he described as anarchy, CM Yogi said he would participate in the padyatra to uphold democratic values and protect the dignity of democracy. Taking a resolve to awaken the public against this anarchy and to protect the dignity of democracy, I will participate today in the Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy padyatra organised in Gorakhpur with the honourable national president of @BJP4India, Shri @NitinNabin ji, he said. Under the illustrious leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, we are committed to safeguarding Indias great democracy, he added. Meanwhile, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is undertaking an organisational visit to Gorakhpur, during which he will lead the partys Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao march and hold a series of meetings with senior party functionaries to fine-tune preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. Nabin will reach Gorakhpur on Wednesday morning and lead the padyatra in the afternoon. According to the programme schedule shared on the X handle of the BJP National Presidents Office, the march will begin at 12.10 p.m. from Maharana Pratap Inter College and conclude at Mata Kali Temple near the Sardar Patel statue. Following the march, Nabin will attend a meeting with members of the intellectual community at 3.30 p.m. at Annexy Bhawan, Taramandal. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with public representatives at the same venue at 5 p.m.
As the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections approach, Aligarhs political dynamics could change after BJPs previous clean sweep. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2027: Will Aligarhs Political Landscape Shift After BJPs Clean Sweep?
Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy, 2022: Targets, incentives, eligibility and implementation
The policy is the state government's framework for expanding electricity generation from solar energy and developing the infrastructure needed to connect, store and use that electricity
BJP chief Nitin Nabin to lead Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao march in UP's Gorakhpur today
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 4 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin will undertake a two-day organisational visit to Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh starting Wednesday, during which he will lead the party's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' march and hold a series of meetings with senior party functionaries to fine-tune preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. Nabin will reach Gorakhpur on Wednesday morning and lead the padyatra in the afternoon. According to the programme schedule shared on the X handle of the BJP National President's Office, the march will begin at 12.10 p.m. from Maharana Pratap Inter College and conclude at Mata Kali Temple near the Sardar Patel statue. Following the march, Nabin will attend a meeting with members of the intellectual community at 3.30 p.m. at Annexy Bhawan, Taramandal. He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with public representatives at the same venue at 5 p.m. On the second day of his visit, Thursday, the BJP chief will offer prayers at the Baba Gorakhnath Temple in the morning. Later, he will hold a meeting with former party office-bearers, including former state and regional office-bearers who served during the last three terms, former district in-charges and former district presidents. He will subsequently interact with former public representatives, including former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, former MLAs, Legislative Council members, former Zila Panchayat presidents, and former Nagar Palika and Nagar Panchayat presidents. Nabin is also scheduled to hold a detailed meeting with the party's state-level organisational leadership, including the State President, state office-bearers, regional office-bearers and other key functionaries. The meeting will focus on finalising the roadmap for upcoming organisational campaigns and electoral strategy ahead of the Assembly elections. Earlier, Nabin had led the 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' campaign in Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and West Bengal. The campaign has been launched by the BJP to counter the INDIA bloc's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
Om Singhs six-for bundles out Uttar Pradesh for 179
Kartik Yadav spins his way to top
STF nabs four members of notorious Gataru gang
Ex-bank manager gets 4 years jail in bribery case
Court acquits two in murder case, orders perjury proceedings against complainant
FSDA suspends 27 licences in statewide sweet shop crackdown
CM announces special packages for farmers, women ahead of polls
Deepotsav to bring Ramayan to life on mobiles
Jhansi, Chitrakoot set for direct expressway connectivity
CBI arrests PNB staffer, aide in Rs 10.24 crore fraud
Kali Puja, Annakoot Utsav at Kali Bari temple
Celebration of Urdu literature, language at Karamat
Teacher killed, body kept in car boot for hours; School manager arrested
Two arrested for assaulting cops in Bangla Bazaar
Woman climbs mobile tower demanding marriage with boyfriend, sent to jail
Jewellery worth 7-8 lakh stolen from locked first AC coupe; Couple alleges no help despite SOS calls
Over 500kg of crackers seized in Kashi; 1 held
Kashi Tamil Sangamam-5.0 from Nov 28 to Dec 12
Oppn trying to destabilise country, undermine institutions: BJP
Modi, Shahs campaign blitzkrieg for UP elections to draw inputs from party veterans
Faith binds India despite its vast diversity: CM
Labourer killed as temple dome shuttering crashes in Azamgarh
Shivraj sounds alarm on soil degradation, bats for natural farming
Deepotsav an example of social harmony: Yogi
Bismillah Khans legacy to get a new home in museum
Asim Arun bats for tech-driven welfare delivery
Gangster arrested in encounter with Ghazipur Police
Congress Delhi meet sets ball rolling for UP elections
Great urban leap: From crowded roads to aerial commute
TOI goes sky-high as Kashis ropeway nears take-off
KVT suspends ticket bookings for Aartis, Sugam Darshan for 2 days
No assembly polls for me, will take CM oath as LS MP: Akhilesh
Akhilesh, Rahul's days in politics over: Ravi Kishan
Mumbai defeats UP by 29 runs in Womens T20 match
Doctor suspended for demanding Rs 5,000 from pregnant woman
Two burglars break into shop, flee with mobile phones worth lakhs
Woman was mastermind, say police; four held in Knp youth murder case
50 kg of illegal firecrackers seized in Dehat
Woman held for strangling toddler son in Jalaun
FIR against loader driver, others for assaulting, molesting woman on highway
Christians Observe All Souls Day, illuminate cemeteries
Free assistive devices distributed to people with disabilities
Traders urge FSDA to suspend raids, restore licences before Diwali
CSJMU ranks 172nd in India in QS Asia Rankings
Anti-filaria drive for 6.7L people in 4 blocks from Nov 19
Admin announces traffic mgmt measures to ease traffic congestion
FIR against BJP corporator, others for slapping party worker
Sangam city faces severe traffic jams as festive season begins
Shringverpur Mahotsav preps accelerate
Diwali rush sends travel costs soaring for Prayagraj-bound passengers
Hanuman Janmotsav celebrations begin at Bade Hanuman temple
IAS officer shares UPSC preparation tips at MNNIT
Over 50 startups to showcase innovations at Purvanchal Startup Samvad-2026
HC summons Kanpur CP in hotel loot, vandalism case linked to cops
HCBA oath-taking marred by CJ, Telangana guvs absence
HC regrets unwarranted angst against SSP, pulls up litigant for misleading court
Ranji Trophy: Wadkar, Bhute rescue Vidarbha
Vidarbha, led by skipper Akshay Wadkar's century and Nachiket Bhute's 97, posted 334 for nine in their first innings against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match, securing a 125-run lead. Madhya Pradesh were 19 for 1 at stumps, trailing by 106 runs. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh openers Adarsh Singh and Madhav Kaushik put their team in a commanding position against Baroda.
2 arrested for assaulting cops, disrupting anti-encroachment action in UP
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Emphasizes Safety and Harmony Ahead of Upcoming Festivals
Yogi Adityanath stresses safety and community harmony as preparations for upcoming festivals intensify in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Emphasizes Safety and Harmony Ahead of Upcoming Festivals
Kasganj Police Tops State Rankings for Timely Complaint Resolution
The Kasganj Police have achieved first place in Uttar Pradesh for resolving public complaints promptly under the IGRS system. Kasganj Police Tops State Rankings for Timely Complaint Resolution
Major Drug Bust in Chhattisgarh: Over 120 Kilograms of Marijuana Seized, Two Arrested
Police in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, seized 120.96 kg of marijuana hidden in rice bags, arresting two traffickers from Uttar Pradesh. Major Drug Bust in Chhattisgarh: Over 120 Kilograms of Marijuana Seized, Two Arrested
Lucknow: From a small town in Uttar Pradesh to leading one of Indias fast-growing digital lenders, Mahesh Shukla, Founder and CEO of PayMe India, has been honoured with the Award for Financial Empowerment at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards. The award was presented by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath at a []
CBI arrests two in Rs 10.24 crore PNB fraud case in Greater Noida (Lead)
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Punjab National Bank (PNB) office assistant and a private individual in connection with an alleged fraud involving unauthorised withdrawals of 10.24 crore from customer accounts at the banks Sector Pi branch in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The arrests of the staff, namely Ms Deepanshi, an office assistant and Ashutosh Kumar Pathak (a private person) and an unknown person were made on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the high-value banking fraud. According to a CBI press release, the agency arrested the office assistant/sub-staff member posted at the PNB Sector Pi branch and a private person allegedly involved in the conspiracy. The case was registered by the CBI on October 29, 2026, following a complaint alleging that funds were siphoned off through unauthorised debit transactions carried out from multiple customer accounts. The agency alleged that the bank employee acted in connivance with the private individual and other unidentified persons. The fraud first came to light after a customer reported suspicious debit transactions from her account to bank authorities. An internal inquiry by PNB reportedly revealed unauthorised debits amounting to 10.24 crore from various savings and fixed deposit accounts. The bank has stated that a reconciliation exercise is underway to ascertain the exact extent of the loss. Earlier, the CBI had registered an FIR against the accused under provisions related to criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, falsification of accounts, and other offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Corruption Act and Information Technology Act. The agency's preliminary findings suggested misuse of banking credentials, manipulation of customer account details, alteration of fixed deposit records and diversion of customer funds through beneficiary accounts. Reports indicate that the accused office assistant allegedly misused login credentials of other bank officials to carry out unauthorised transactions and route funds through multiple accounts. The private individual arrested in the case has been identified as a key beneficiary of the alleged fraud. The CBI said it has obtained transit remand for the private accused from the Special Court for CBI Cases in Pune, Maharashtra. Further investigation is underway to identify the involvement of other persons and trace the flow of funds.
Sultanpur: Five Held In Drug Bust
Five alleged drug traffickers were arrested in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, with heroin (smack) valued at Rs 3.25 crore in the international market. The arrests followed an operation by local police, leading to the seizure of drugs, cash, and mobile phones.
Ahead of Assembly elections, UP may raise sugarcane price for growers
Uttar Pradesh may raise sugarcane prices by 10-20 per quintal ahead of Assembly polls, even as farmers demand a 50-100 hike and private sugar mills seek a freeze on rates
Over 27 lakh EPFO claims settled in UP in 6 months; Rs 7,344 crore disbursed
Congress Critiques BJPs Save Democracy March Amidst Election Tensions in Uttar Pradesh
Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey criticizes BJPs Save Democracy March, claiming its a cover for political maneuvering against CM Yogi Adityanath. Congress Critiques BJPs Save Democracy March Amidst Election Tensions in Uttar Pradesh
Ammunition Racket Busted In Haryana, 5 Arrested
The Haryana Police STF has busted an alleged inter-state ammunition racket, seizing 25,000 live cartridges and arresting five persons in Jhajjar. Preliminary investigations indicate a Badaun gun house owner is a key link in the network, which spans Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. The operation was launched following crucial intelligence from the Bihar STF.
States Ranked On Niti Aayog's S and T Scoreboard
Niti Aayog has launched the India Science and Technology (S and T) Scoreboard, highlighting state-wise performance in research publications and patent applications. Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are the top three states in research publications, with Tamil Nadu also leading in patent filings. The interactive platform aims to help states benchmark progress and formulate better S and T policies.
Cow Meat Smuggling: Two Arrested In Lucknow
Lucknow police have arrested two individuals for allegedly smuggling cow meat. Seven sacks of meat, an Omni van, and equipment suspected of being used for illegal slaughter were seized. The arrests followed a tip-off, leading to the apprehension of Mohammad Faizul and later Mohammad Rizwan. A case has been registered under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955.
Sugarcane farmers attempt to lay siege to Deputy Commissioners office in Mysuru
The sugarcane growers demanded that the Centre raise the FRP to 4,500 per tonne for a 10.25% recovery rate, and that the Karnataka government fix the State Advisory Price (SAP) on the lines of Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
UP Board Exam 2027: Correction Window Opens for Class 10 and 12 Forms
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education has opened a correction window for Class 10 and 12 examination forms from November 2 to November 12, 2026. This is the last chance for students to amend their details before the exams, which are scheduled to take place from February 5 to February 24, 2027. Students can correct specific information online, while changes to their full name and date of birth must be processed offline. Read on for more details about the correction process and the upcoming exam schedule.
UP TET 2027 Scheduled for February: Key Updates for Candidates
The Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission has announced plans for the UP TET 2027, scheduled for the last week of February. This update is crucial for candidates, especially those applying for TGT positions, as they must pass the TET by June 30, 2027. Additionally, the UPESSC is working towards conducting the TET twice a year, aligning with national guidelines. Stay informed about these significant developments that impact aspiring teachers in Uttar Pradesh.
Indias pomegranates, kiwi fruit exports hit Dubai market
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) Fresh consignments of Indias pomegranates and kiwi fruit exports have hit the Dubai market, opening new markets for the countrys farmers, backed by the Centres Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). APEDA has facilitated the export of 1.3 metric tonnes (MT) of Sinduri variety pomegranates from Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district and the trial export of 1.5 metric tonnes (MT) of kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh's Ziro to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a Commerce Ministry statement issued on Tuesday. The consignment of pomegranates, comprising 650 boxes of 2 kg each, was exported by Uttar Pradesh-based Amama Exports. The initiative connects local growers and a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) with an exporter, creating opportunities for Himachal Pradeshs horticultural produce to access international markets. The pomegranates were sourced directly from local farmers and the Bhuntar FPO, which is associated with approximately 600 farmers. The Kullu district horticulture administration supported the initiative by facilitating procurement and coordination, the statement said. The initiative demonstrates the role of direct procurement and collective participation through FPOs in strengthening market linkages for farmers. The export enabled participating farmers to achieve 50 per cent higher price realisation compared with the prevailing domestic market benchmark. The Sinduri variety is among the pomegranate varieties grown in Himachal Pradesh, alongside Bhagwa and Kandhari. Known for its attractive red skin, juicy arils, and sweet-tart flavour, Sinduri pomegranates are suitable for fresh consumption and offer potential for export markets. The trial export consignment of 1.5 metric tonnes (MT) of kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh successfully reached Dubai and was showcased at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais. The initiative marks a step towards assessing the fruits potential in international markets. The initiative, undertaken under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), seeks to promote and strengthen Arunachal Pradeshs kiwi sector under the branding initiative Kiwi: USP of Arunachal Pradesh. Implemented in collaboration with the state government, the initiative aims to introduce the states kiwis to international markets, assess consumer response and develop stronger market linkages to expand export opportunities for local growers. Arunachal Pradeshs high-altitude growing conditions and natural environment support the cultivation of kiwi with distinctive fruit quality and flavour. The states produce offers potential in premium domestic markets, export promotion and value-added products. The major varieties grown in the region include Hayward, Monty, Allison and Bruno, with the Hayward variety showing good demand in international markets. The initiative also seeks to connect local kiwi growers with potential overseas markets, creating additional sales channels and opportunities for improved farmer returns through future shipments. The trial export is expected to provide a basis for assessing market response and identifying requirements for expanding the presence of Arunachal Pradesh kiwi in international markets.
'PDA repeatedly being targeted': Abu Azmi as Azam Khan sent to 14-day judicial custody
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Samajwadi Party Maharashtra President Abu Asim Azmi on Tuesday alleged that former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan was being targeted by the government, claiming that fresh cases were being filed against him whenever he secured bail. Azmi's remarks came after Azam Khan was sent to 14 days of judicial custody following his arrest in a money laundering case. Khan was arrested shortly after being released on bail on Monday. He will be lodged at Dasna jail in Ghaziabad. Speaking to IANS, Azmi said: Azam Khan has been in jail for several years. If the ED had anything against him, it could have questioned him inside the prison and taken action. But as soon as he gets bail, a new case is filed. All this is happening at the government's behest. This is completely wrong. Azam Khan has not earned anything through wrongdoing. He brought money and established the university. He has been elected as an MLA more than 10 times and has also served as a minister and an MP. However, such treatment is being meted out to him. I believe that the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak) is repeatedly being targeted in this manner. But now, the public has awakened, he added. Azmi also welcomed the Bombay High Court's order directing the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to re-upload actor Dia Mirza's Diwali video, which appealed to people to celebrate an eco-friendly and firecracker-free festival. Reacting to the development, the Samajwadi Party leader said, I am very happy and want to congratulate the court for showing that justice is still alive. I would also urge all courts not to forget the struggles of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. He further urged the judiciary to take suo motu cognisance whenever anything unconstitutional or imposed through coercion and hooliganism takes place in the country. Whenever anything unconstitutional happens in the country, courts should take suo motu action. If this continues, those BJP leaders who are spreading anarchy in the country will come to their senses, he said. The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the rhetoric used by politicians against Dia Mirza and directed the civic body to re-upload the deleted video. Emphasising that India is a secular country, the court underscored the importance of allowing individuals to express their views on celebrating festivals in an environmentally responsible manner.
'Defaming Punjab won't benefit your politics': AAP hits back at Delhi Minister Sirsa
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 3 (IANS) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday hit back at Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa's allegation that stubbing burning in Punjab was causing pollution in the national capital, saying that the politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won't benefit by defaming the state. Earlier on Tuesday, Sirsa alleged that the AAP Punjab government failed to check stubble burning, which is contributing to pollution in Delhi. In a self-made video, AAP's National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda remarked that the situation of Sirsa is like that of a student who did not study all year and then complains that the child sitting on the bench beside him did not allow him to take the exam. Asking the Delhi government to stop making excuses, he said: The Bharatiya Janata Party government alone is responsible for Delhi's pollution. Why do you keep criticising and defaming Punjab? Dhanda claimed that when the Aam Aadmi Party government came to power in 2022, there were around 80,000 farm-fire incidents in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann worked with farmers, explained the issue to them, and with their cooperation brought the number down to fewer than 5,000 last year. This year, with farmers' support, farm-fire incidents in Punjab have become almost negligible, he asserted. The AAP leader claimed that in Uttar Pradesh, farm-fire incidents are increasing by 25 to 30 per cent every year. In areas such as Meerut, Aligarh, Agra, and the entire western UP region, these incidents have risen sharply. Over the past few years, the situation has worsened. It is not the farmers' fault there. The NDA government, led by (Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath, does not help farmers and does not provide them with resources, he said. He also referred to Madhya Pradesh, claiming farm-fire incidents in the state are increasing by 150 per cent every year. Last year, 52 per cent of all farm-fire incidents in the country occurred in Madhya Pradesh alone, he said while arguing that despite being in power, the BJP government has failed to curb the incidents. Dhanda also questioned the Rekha Gupta government over its efforts to control pollution in Delhi. Can you cite even one example of a step that the BJP government has taken to bring down pollution in Delhi? If you do nothing, how can pollution reduce on its own? he asked. He also questioned Sirsa about why preparations were not made in advance in Delhi despite knowing that the pollution levels rise during this time every year. Last time, you (Delhi government) said pollution would be reduced through cloud seeding and induced rainfall. Even that led to corruption, and money was wasted. Defaming Punjab will not benefit your politics, nor will it help the people of Delhi. If you want to reduce pollution in Delhi, you need to take concrete steps and tell people about those measures, the AAP leader asserted. Moreover, Dhanda claimed that Punjab has clear skies and clean air as compared to Delhi. There is no stubble-burning smoke there at this time, he stated. The AAP leader further said that the responsibility to answer from where smoke is coming to Delhi lies with the BJP government, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rajasthan High Court declares tax collection on Out-of-State private vehicles illegal
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 3 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court has declared the Transport Department's action of collecting road tax from private cars and jeeps registered in other states, allegedly on the grounds that they had been operated in Rajasthan for more than 30 days, illegal, in the absence of a specific statutory notification. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal and Justice Sameer Jain ruled that the Transport Department cannot impose or collect taxes on non-transport vehicles registered in other states without a valid notification issued under the relevant provisions of the law. While disposing of petitions filed by Harpi Core Network India Private Limited and others, the court directed the department to refund the taxes collected from the petitioners within 30 days and immediately release the seized vehicles. Several vehicle owners had approached the Rajasthan High Court challenging the Transport Department's action against their private vehicles, which were registered in states including Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The petitioners submitted that lifetime road tax had already been paid in their respective states at the time of registration. However, during routine inspections, flying squads of the Rajasthan Transport Department intercepted several such vehicles and initiated enforcement proceedings. The Rajasthan Transport Department maintained that these vehicles had been operating in Rajasthan for more than 30 days without payment of the prescribed state road tax. It argued that under Rule 28 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, vehicles remaining in the state beyond 30 days were liable to pay tax under the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951. Challenging the department's action, the petitioners argued that their vehicles were already registered in other states and that the applicable lifetime tax had been paid there. They contended that there was no legal basis for demanding a lump-sum tax in Rajasthan merely because the vehicles had been used in the state for more than 30 days. The petitioners also invoked Article 265 of the Constitution, which provides that no tax can be levied or collected except by authority of law. They argued that the Transport Department could not impose a tax merely by relying on administrative interpretations or notifications that did not specifically authorise such a levy. The Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma-led state government defended the department's action, arguing that private vehicles registered outside Rajasthan were being used in the state for periods exceeding 30 days and were, therefore, liable for taxation under the applicable rules. The government also cited a notification issued on July 10, 2024, which prescribed rates for one-time taxation of non-transport vehicles. It argued that the notification covered vehicles already registered in other states as well. Accordingly, the government maintained that the tax demands and seizure of vehicles were legally justified. After hearing both sides, the High Court observed that the July 10, 2024, notification prescribed tax rates for passenger and goods vehicles. However, there was no separate notification under the relevant statutory provision specifically authorising the levy of one-time tax on private non-transport cars registered in other states. The Bench held that merely mentioning vehicles registered in other states in a notification issued under a different provision does not fulfil the statutory requirement for imposing such a tax. The court clarified that when the law requires a specific notification for levying a particular tax, the government cannot collect it by relying on a notification issued under another provision. Consequently, the court held that the one-time tax demand against private cars registered in other states could not be sustained on the basis of the existing notification. The court directed the Transport Department to release the seized vehicles immediately and refund the tax collected from the petitioners within 30 days.
Yogi Adityanath Announces Major Support Packages for Women and Farmers on Diwali
On Diwali, CM Yogi Adityanath reveals significant support for farmers and women, including gas subsidies and economic packages in Uttar Pradesh. Yogi Adityanath Announces Major Support Packages for Women and Farmers on Diwali
