A Bengaluru-based advocate has sought a high-level inquiry into the alleged issuance of nearly 10,000 Fitness Certificates (FCs) to out-of-state vehicles without proper physical inspection by Inspectors of Motor Vehicles (IMVs).
S. Nataraja Sharma, representing the Karnataka Private Bus Owners Association, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka State Transport Commissioner alleging irregularities between August 2025 and January 2026.
Allegations against IMVs
The complaint names Nissar Ahmed, Senior IMV of Bengaluru Central RTO, along with A.A. Khan, H.M. Manjunath and Narasimha Reddy. The advocate alleged that a large number of vehicles, mainly from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Kerala, were issued FCs mechanically without mandatory physical examination.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, vehicles must undergo physical inspection, including brake testing, emission verification and safety compliance checks, before certification.
“The sheer volume of certifications attributed predominantly to a single officer raises serious doubts about whether statutory checks were actually conducted,” the memorandum stated.
Month-wise figures cited
As per the complaint, Nissar Ahmed allegedly issued 646 FCs in August 2025, of which 636 vehicles belonged to Maharashtra and Gujarat. In September 2025, 1,168 vehicles were issued FCs, with 1,149 reportedly from the same states. Similar patterns were cited for October, November, December 2025 and January 2026.
The advocate has attached detailed month-wise data to support the allegations and demanded a thorough investigation.
Officials are yet to respond publicly. If proven, the allegations could raise serious concerns about compliance, road safety and regulatory oversight in the state’s transport department.