Kochi | The Kerala High Court has criticised the MVD for failing to take effective action against a modified SUV fitted with unauthorised lights and other alterations, which was used in flood rescue operations in Aranmula earlier this month.

A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S heard cases relating to road safety and illegal vehicle alterations and examined the Transport Commissioner's report on the vehicle and the action taken against it on August 21.

The private vehicle came to the court's notice after two Motor Vehicles Department officials in Adoor were suspended for issuing a challan against it for illegal alterations and lack of a pollution certificate while it was returning from a flood rescue operation.

In its order, the bench noted that according to the transport commissioner's report dated August 20, 2026, the MVD Enforcement Wing had imposed only a Rs 5,000 fine on the vehicle, despite it being fitted with six unauthorised additional lights and repeated directions from the court.

The bench observed that the MVD Enforcement Wing and police had failed to take action against vehicles being used in public places with wheels projecting laterally beyond the protection provided by the vehicle's body, wings or protective covers, potentially causing mud or water to be thrown up and endangering cyclists, two-wheeler riders and pedestrians.

The court noted that an e-challan issued against the vehicle on March 11, 2024, remained pending, and that it had again been used in a public place with unauthorised lights and other fittings, posing a serious threat to other road users.

The special government pleader submitted that a proper report from the transport commissioner would be placed on record and sought additional time to do so.

The court directed the MVD Enforcement Wing and the police to take necessary steps to ensure strict compliance with its earlier directions on vehicle modifications.

The case will be taken up again on September 7.