ARTO Ramban Disqualifies Three Driving Licences Over Illegal Activities  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Ramban, has disqualified the driving licences of three individuals involved in serious illegal activities, including bovine smuggling, officials said on Saturday.

According to official orders, Driving Licence No. JK1920180000395 belonging to Mohammad Akram of Shaban Bass, Banihal; Licence No. JK1920250001293 belonging to Mohammad Yasir of Ward No. 3, Tatrsoo, Ramban; and Licence No. JK1920120002911 belonging to Imtiaz Ahmed of Chanderkote have been disqualified for a period of three months with immediate effect.

The action follows the registration of criminal cases by the Police Department against the licence holders for illegal transportation of bovine animals, an offence considered capable of disturbing public order and hurting religious sentiments.

The disqualification has been effected under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991, after due legal procedure. Show-cause notices were served to the licence holders, offering them an opportunity to be heard, but their replies were found unsatisfactory by the Licensing Authority.

The decision was taken on the recommendations of the Police Department and Transport Authorities, in line with directions from the Supreme Court of India and the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, which mandate strict action against misuse of motor vehicles for criminal activities.

The ARTO office stated that 58 driving licences have been suspended or disqualified so far in 2025 for various violations, with show-cause notices issued to 15 additional licence holders. The Transport Department reaffirmed its commitment to road safety and curbing unlawful use of vehicles in Ramban district.