In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed whether motor vehicles can be structurally altered in ways that differ from manufacturer specifications. The case involved multiple writ petitions challenging denials of vehicle registration when bodies were extended or modified beyond the original prototype specifications. The Court held that section 52(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 prohibits any alteration that creates variance between a vehicle's particulars and those originally specified by the manufacturer. Limited exceptions exist for engine modifications using alternative fuels and Central Government exemptions. State rules cannot override this prohibition. The Court upheld the registration authorities' denials and set aside the High Court's judgment allowing the alterations.",
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