Viral photo of challan for 'driving without shoes' sparks debate
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 14 2025: A photo purportedly showing a traffic challan issued to a driver for "driving (car) without shoes" went viral on social media on Monday, triggering confusion and debate over whether such an act is actually punishable under traffic rules.

The photo, shared by a Facebook page titled "Time to Times", claimed that traffic police had issued an e-challan against a private vehicle driver for operating a car without wearing shoes.

The post read, "In a surprising move, Imphal Traffic Police have begun issuing e-challans of Rs 2000 to private vehicle drivers found operating vehicles without shoes".

The challan image appeared to show that it was issued by an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) posted in Imphal West district.

However, the name of the officer was redacted in the viral image.

It also carried the remark, "Bond under Sec 213(5)(e) of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988", With the rear portion of a vehicle visible in the background, suggesting a possible link to the incident.

Despite the Buzz on social media, some traffic police officials told The People's Chronicle that they have not been able to verify the authenticity of the challan.

One officer from the Traffic Control Wing said that a valid challan must include key details such as the registration number of the vehicle, name and signature of the driver or owner, and the signature of the issuing officer.

The viral photo lacks all these elements, he pointed out.

"I saw the photo this morning, but the officer's name is blacked out and we have no official report of such a case so far.

We are still gathering in formation to confirm whether it's genuine," he said.

Legal experts weighed in on the matter, explaining that while riding a two-wheeler without closed shoes is a recognised offence, often penalised with a fine of Rs 1,000 under safety provisions, no such specific law exists for drivers of four-wheelers.

They noted that section 213(5) (e) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, under which the remark was made, does not pertain to footwear but relates to the powers of officers to demand information or documents and issue bonds for appearance.

Experts, however, said that while it is not illegal to drive a car without shoes, traffic authorities generally advise wearing proper footwear as a precautionary safety measure.

Driving barefoot or with slippers can increase the risk of the foot slipping off the pedal, especially in emergency situations.

In such cases, if driving without proper footwear contributes to an accident or mishap, the driver could be held liable and fined up to Rs 2,000 for negligent driving under broader traffic safety provisions.

"In other states, rules are stricter for public transport drivers who are required to wear uniforms and shoes.

They may be fined for driving in slippers or sandals as part of the regulatory standards," a legal source said.

Meanwhile, the viral challan has also drawn criticism for lacking clarity.

It does not specify whether the driver was barefoot or wearing slippers or sandals, leaving room for ambiguity over the actual violation.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the traffic police confirming or denying the issuance of such a challan.

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