The Maharashtra Police Department has issued a new order to all traffic police officers across the State. They have been clearly told not to use their personal mobile phones to take photos or videos while issuing e-challans (online traffic fines). The decision was taken after a meeting held with various transport associations, chaired by the Transport Minister at Vidhan Bhavan. During the meeting, many representatives raised concerns that some traffic police Do not use private phones for... officers were using their private phones to click multiple vehicle photos and later uploading them to the e-challan system at their convenience, which sometimes led to incorrect fines. The Transport Minister expressed strong displeasure over this misuse.

 

Even though earlier orders were already issued in 2020, 2022, and 2024, it was found that many officers are still ignoring them. Now, the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic), Pravin Salunke, in a circular, has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any officer who is found using a private phone for issuing e-challans. All officers must use only official devices and follow real-time procedures. The notice has been sent to all police commissioners, superintendents, and highway patrol units across Maharashtra.