Prakash Nayak Vs State of Odisha & Ors. (Orissa High Court)
The Orissa High Court heard a writ petition filed by the owner of vehicle bearing Registration No. OD-18N-2732 seeking a writ of mandamus directing the authorities to unblock the vehicle in the State Government’s Vahan Portal, display the correct tax payable, and accept payment of such tax through the online mode.
The Petitioner submitted that he had been issued an All India Tourist Vehicle authorisation certificate for the period from 16.07.2025 to 15.07.2026. According to the Petitioner, while processing his application, the competent authority erroneously assessed post motor vehicle tax/additional tax even though the tax had already been deposited on 31.03.2026 and the payment was reflected in the Vahan Portal. The Petitioner further alleged that the R.T.O., Rayagada demanded penalty and balance tax over the telephone in January 2026 without issuing any show cause notice, which was stated to be in violation of the principles of natural justice.
The Petitioner also submitted that he had filed a representation before the R.T.O., Rayagada on 31.01.2026 explaining that the non-payment of tax was not intentional and resulted from a mistake by the R.T.O., Jharsuguda. Despite this, the vehicle was blocked in the Vahan Portal. Subsequently, on 11.04.2026, eleven challans were issued alleging use of the vehicle without Registration Certificate and Fitness Certificate, leading the Petitioner to approach the High Court.
