Nakhat Singh vs State Of Rajasthan on 22 August, 2025

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Rajasthan High Court – Jodhpur

Nakhat Singh vs State Of Rajasthan on 22 August, 2025

Author: Vinit Kumar Mathur

Bench: Vinit Kumar Mathur

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     IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN
                       AT JODHPUR
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11535/2023

Khuman Singh S/o Smrith Singh, Aged About 63 Years, R/o.
166, Bhawanipura, Pokaran, Ward No. 19, Pokaran, Dist.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. At Present 374, Rajputon Ka Bera,
Chandsama, Shergarh, Dist. Jodhpur- Rajasthan. (Rj 24 Pa
4016).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
1.       State Of Rajasthan, Through Joint Secretary, Transport
         Department, Government Of Rajasthan, Parivahan
         Bhawan, Sahkar Bhawan Marg, Jaipur - 302005-
         Rajasthan.
2.       Union Of India, Through Commissioner, Department Of
         Transport Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways,
         Transport Bhawan, 1, Parliament Street, New Delhi-
         110001.
3.       District Transport Officer (Taxation Officer),                         District
         Jodhpur, Bjs Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006
4.       District Transport Officer (Registering Authority), District
         Sirohi, Sirohi, Rajasthan 307001
                                                                    ----Respondents
                          Connected with
              D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9901/2023
 Shivari Devi W/o Shri Babu Lal, Aged About 48 Years, Resident
 Of Vishnoiyon Ka Bass, Dhawa, Jodhpur (Raj.).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.).
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents

              D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9997/2023
 Parmila Rajpurohit W/o Shri Rajendra Singh, Aged About 59
 Years, Resident Of 27C, 11Th Pal Road, Jodhpur (Raj).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner Cum
         Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government Of
         Rajasthan, Jaipur.

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 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10020/2023
 Jogendra Choudhary S/o Shri Pokar Ram Choudhary, Aged
 About 36 Years, Resident Of A81, Sharmikpura, Masuriya,
 Jodhpur (Raj)
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner Cum
         Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government Of
         Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10068/2023
 Govind Ram Choudhary S/o Shri Mohan Lal Choudhary, Aged
 About 70 Years, Resident Of A10, Sharmikpura, Masuriya,
 Jodhpur (Raj.)
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner Cum
         Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government Of
         Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10072/2023
 Gavri Devi W/o Pokar Ram, Aged About 49 Years, Resident Of
 Shramikpura Masuriya Jodhpur (Raj.).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.).
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10500/2023
 Raksha W/o Jitendra, Aged About 68 Years, Resident Of Sarkari

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 School, Pal Road, Kheme Ka Kua, Jodhpur (Raj.)
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10522/2023
 Nathu Ram Puniya S/o Shri Baga Ram, Aged About 47 Years,
 Resident Of P.no. 9, Balaji Nagar, Pal Road, Jodhpur Rajasthan
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10526/2023
 Puna Ram S/o Jugta Ram, Aged About 59 Years, Resident Of
 Dhandhniya Bhaila, Shergarh, Jodhpur.
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10581/2023
 Shivari Devi W/o Late Shri Babu Lal, Aged About 48 Years,
 Resident Of Vishnoiyon Ka Bass, Dhawa, Jodhpur (Raj)
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      Th Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj).


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 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o. Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10781/2023
 Khuman Singh S/o Shri Karan Singh, Aged About 69 Years,
 Resident Of 722, Hanslaw Ka Bera, Ward No. 58, Jodhpur (Raj).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner Cum
         Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government Of
         Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj)
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11080/2023
 Vikram Singh S/o Shri Khuman Singh, Aged About 33 Years,
 Resident Of 722, Hanslaw Ji Ka Bera Warnd No. 58, Jodhpur
 (Raj.).
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      The State Of Rajasthan, Through The Commissioner
         Cum Secretary, Department Of Transport, Government
         Of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
 2.      The Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur (Raj.).
 3.      The Taxation Officer, Department                           Of    Motor    Tax
         Department, R.t.o., Jodhpur.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11536/2023
 Khuman Singh S/o Smrith Singh, Aged About 63 Years, R/o
 166, Bhawanipura, Pokaran, Ward No. 19, Pokaran, Dist.
 Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. At Present 374, Rajputon Ka Bera,
 Chandsama, Shergarh, Dist. Jodhpur, Rajasthan. (RJ 19 PB
 8236)
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Joint Secretary, Transport
         Department, Government Of Rajasthan, Parivahan
         Bhawan,    Sahkar    Bhawan   Marg,    Jaipur-302005,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Union Of India, Through Commissioner, Department Of
         Transport, Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways,
         Transport Bhawan, 1, Parliament Street, New Delhi
         110001.
 3.      District Transport Officer (Taxation Officer), District

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         Jodhpur, Bjs Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006.
 4.      District Transport Officer (Registering Authority), District
         Jodhpur, Bjs Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342006.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11672/2025
 Karan Singh S/o Shri Ugam Singh, Aged About 45 Years, R/o
 Madho Singh Ki Dhani, Ketu Dhirpura, Balesar Satta,
 Dheerpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11685/2025
 Derawar Singh S/o Shri Kan Singh, Aged About 42 Years, R/o
 Ward No. 9, Bonada, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11722/2025
 Achal Singh S/o Shri Ugam Singh, Aged About 38 Years, R/o
 Madho Singh Ki Dhani, Ketoo Dheerpura, Balesar, Jodhpur,
 Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.


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 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11759/2025
 Karan Singh S/o Shri Ugam Singh, Aged About 45 Years, R/o
 Madho Singh Ki Dhani, Ketu Dhirpura, Balesar Satta,
 Dheerpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11761/2025
 Pep Singh S/o Shri Song Singh, Aged About 70 Years, R/o. Bari
 Sidd, Bari Seer, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11779/2025
 Pukh Singh S/o Shri Bhagwat Singh, Aged About 31 Years, R/o
 Chhadi, Rohina, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

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 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11800/2025
 Achal Singh S/o Shri Ugam Singh, Aged About 38 Years, R/o
 Madho Singh Ki Dhani, Ketoo Dheerpura, Balesar, Jodhpur,
 Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11801/2025
 Shyam Singh S/o Shri Prem Singh, Aged About 43 Years, R/o
 Rajputo Ka Baas, Dantal, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11803/2025
 Bhikam Giri S/o Pratap Giri, Aged About 41 Years, R/o 98
 Swamiyo Ki Dhani, Kui Jodha, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional

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         Transport Officer, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11805/2025
 Nakhat Singh S/o Shri Ugam Singh, Aged About 44 Years, R/o
 Mokamgarh, Dheerpura, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11809/2025
 Pep Singh, S/o. Shri Song Singh, Aged About 70 Years, R/o.
 Bari Sidd, Bari Seer, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents
             D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11841/2025
 Padam Singh Rathore S/o Shri Sumer Singh, Aged About 42
 Years, R/o Setrawa, Shergarh, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                       ----Petitioner
                                       Versus
 1.      State Of Rajasthan, Through Its Secretary, Department
         Of Transport, Government Of Rajasthan, Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 2.      Commissioner,           Department            Of      Transport,     Jaipur,
         Rajasthan.
 3.      Regional Transport Authority, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
 4.      Taxation Officer, Department Of Motor Tax, Regional
         Transport Office, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
                                                                    ----Respondents

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        For Petitioner(s)            :     Mr. Saurabh Maheshwari
                                           Mr. Deven Maheshwari,
                                           Mr. Manvendra Singh Rathore with
                                           Mr. Ashok Godara. Ms Saumya
                                           Choudhary. Mr. Manish Bhunwal for
                                           Mr. Sajjan Singh Rajpurohit
        For Respondent(s)            :     Mr. Sajjan Singh Rathore, AAG with
                                           Mr. Yuvraj Singh Rathore.
                                           Mr. B.L. Bhati, AAG with
                                           Mr. Deepak Chandak


               HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VINIT KUMAR MATHUR

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ANUROOP SINGHI
Per Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur, J.

Order
Reportable
Judgment Reserved on : 18/08/2025

Judgment Pronounced on : 22/08/2025

D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11535/2023 :

1. The present writ petition raises a challenge to the

amendment made by Transport Department, Government of

Rajasthan by Notification dated 24.02.2021, whereby, a new

category at S.No.7(a)(iii) has been inserted in the existing

Notification dated 10.07.2019. Challenge has further been made

to the notice issued by the respondents in Form M.T.R. dated

24.03.2023 and demand notice issued in Form M.T.Q. dated

21.06.2023. A further declaration has been sought to the effect

that the petitioner be assessed and taxed as per S.No.7(a)(ii) of

Notification dated 10.07.2019 read with notification dated

24.02.2021 and be granted exemption thereunder.

2. Brief facts of present writ petition relevant for consideration

of the above challenge are that the petitioner is the registered

owner of a motor vehicle bearing Registration No. RJ-24 PA 4016,

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registered on 15.06.2017 as a ‘Bus’ with body type ‘Sleeper’, and

operating under a valid contract carriage permit for plying vehicle

exclusively within the Revenue Divisional Limits. Vide Notification

dated 10.07.2019 issued under the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles

Taxation Act, 1951, motor vehicle tax was prescribed on the basis

of the class of vehicle and seating capacity, with ‘body type’

considered only for computation purposes, and the petitioner’s

vehicle accordingly fell under Serial No. 7(a)(ii) of the said

Notification.

3. By Amendment-cum-Exemption Notification dated

24.02.2021, the State Government substituted Serial No. 7(a) of

the 2019 Notification, altered tax rates, and introduced a new

category at Serial No. 7(a)(iii) ‘Sleeper Bus’, thereby imposing a

separate levy based on body type, without extending the

exemptions as made available to Serial Nos. 7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii). A

further Amendment Notification dated 23.02.2022 enhanced the

exemption for categories under Serial Nos. 7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii)

from 50% to 70%, but continued to exclude category at Serial No.

7(a)(iii) ‘Sleeper Bus’ from such benefit.

Even subsequent to these amendments, the petitioner was

taxed under S.No. 7(a)(ii) and the tax was accordingly paid by

him. However, vide impugned notices dated 24.03.2023 and

21.06.2023 the impugned demand towards tax was raised by the

District Transport officer (Taxation Officer) for the period

01.04.2022 to 30.06.2023. The petitioner has challenged the vires

of the amendment introducing Serial No. 7(a) (iii) ‘Sleeper Bus’,

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contending that the State Government lacked authority to create a

new class of motor vehicle under the guise of taxation and the

same is ultra vires to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and contrary to

the scheme of the original Notification, and that the impugned

demand is without jurisdiction, in violation of the Motor Vehicles

Act, 1988, and in breach of the principles of natural justice. Hence

the present writ petition has been filed.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the

impugned amendment to the Notification dated 10.07.2019 made

vide Notification dated 24.02.2021, whereby, a new category

‘Sleeper Bus’ was inserted at Serial No. 7(a)(iii), is arbitrary,

illegal and without jurisdiction. He submitted that under the

Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951, the State

Government is empowered only to levy motor vehicle tax on the

basis of the class of motor vehicles and their seating capacity as

per the parent Notification, whereas the classification of motor

vehicles is within the exclusive domain of the Central Government

under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. By introducing ‘Sleeper Bus’

as a separate taxable class on the basis of body type, the State

Government has acted beyond its legislative competence.

5. He further submitted that Article 265 of the Constitution of

India mandates that no tax shall be levied or collected except by

authority of law, which means that there must be a valid law

authorizing the levy and the collection of tax must be in

accordance therewith. The Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act,

1951 does not authorize the creation of a new class of motor

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vehicles, and a bare perusal of the parent Notification dated

10.07.2019 shows that the levy is based on the class of motor

vehicles and their seating capacity, not their body type. The

impugned amendment changes the very basis of taxation by

substituting ‘body type’ for ‘class of vehicle’, thereby altering the

basic structure of the parent Notification, which is impermissible in

law.

6. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the

“Explanation” in the original Notification, which continues to

remain, stipulates that each sleeper berth shall be counted as two

seats for computation of tax, therefore, the petitioner’s vehicle,

having both sleeper berths and seats, clearly falls under Serial No.

7(a) (ii) and is entitled to the exemption provided there under.

However, by placing the petitioner’s vehicle under Serial No. 7(a)

(iii), the respondents have denied the exemption without any

rational basis, resulting in discrimination between vehicles of the

same class, which is violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.

7. He further submitted that the levy must be in consonance

with the registration certificate of the vehicle, issued under the

Motor Vehicles Act, which in the present case describes the

petitioner’s vehicle as a ‘Bus’. The term ‘Sleeper Bus’ is not

defined as a class of vehicle under any statute; it appears only in

the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules, 1990, as a body type

specification for construction norms and not as a classification for

taxation. The Central Government alone, under Section 41 of the

Motor Vehicles Act, is empowered to notify classes of vehicles, and

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the State Government cannot, under the guise of amending tax

rates, create new classes for the purpose of imposing higher tax.

8. Learned counsel submitted that the impugned amendment

also violates Article 301 of the Constitution as it imposes a

pecuniary burden which directly and immediately restricts the

freedom of trade and commerce within the State by compelling

operators to raise passenger fares. Such restriction is not saved

by Article 304(b), as the mandatory proviso thereto has not been

complied with. He further submitted that the powers under

Sections 3 and 4 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act,

1951 are not unfettered and must be exercised reasonably,

keeping in mind the doctrine of legitimate expectation, which the

respondent authority has failed to do.

9. Assailing the demand notice dated 21.06.2023, it was

submitted that the same has been issued in gross violation of Rule

8 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, inasmuch as

neither reasonable opportunity of hearing was afforded to the

petitioner, nor the notice was accompanied by any computation of

tax nor certified copy of the order was given to him. The initial

notice in Form M.T.R dated 24.03.2023 proposed levy for the

period 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2023, but the impugned demand in

Form M.T.Q covers the period 01.04.2022 to 30.06.2023, which is

inconsistent and illegal. Moreover, the petitioner has been taxed

under Serial No. 7(a) (iii) instead of Serial No. 7(a) (ii), thereby

denying the applicable exemption as per new clause (iii-a).

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10. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the

creation of the third category of a vehicle in Serial No. 7(a) of the

notification dated 24.02.2021 has entailed into the denial of

exemption granted to the petitioner in the unamended provision in

categories provided in Serial No. 7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii). He further

submitted that the denial of the exemption to the petitioner in

these circumstances becomes relevant when the category of

‘sleeper bus’ has not been defined under the Motor Vehicles Act,

1988. He submitted that creation of a ‘sleeper bus’ category is a

clear discrimination vis-a-vis other buses mentioned at Serial No.

7(a)(i) and 7(a)(ii) as no exemption has been granted to the

‘sleeper buses’ mentioned in the category.

11. Alternatively, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted

that even if a category of vehicle in the name of ‘sleeper bus’ at

S.No. 7(a)(iii) has been created by the respondents, then the

exemption granted to the category-(i) and (ii) mentioned in Serial

No. 7(a) cannot be denied to the petitioner, if the ‘sleeper bus’ is

plied within the one revenue divisional area. He further submitted

that the discussion for grant of concessional rates to the buses

mentioned in category at S.No.7(a)(i) and (ii) was centering

around those buses which are plied within one revenue divisional

area and therefore, on the same count, if the sleeper coach buses

are permitted to be plied in one revenue divisional area, the

benefit of concessional rate of tax should have been made

available to the category at S.No.7(a)(iii) also.

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12. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that in many

other States, the category of ‘sleeper bus’ has been defined and

the rate of tax has been imposed categorizing it as a different

category whereas in the State of Rajasthan, the category of

‘sleeper bus’ has not been defined anywhere and therefore, levy of

tax on the body type of the vehicle is de hors the law.

13. Learned counsel further submitted that the so-called

substitution under the amendment has, in reality, introduced a

new class of vehicles for higher taxation under the garb of altering

tax rates. This is a colorable exercise of power which virtually

cripples the petitioner’s business and adversely impacts public

transport services. Thus, learned counsel for the petitioner prays

that the notification dated 24.2.2021 (Annex.5) inserting the class

of motor vehicle as ‘Sleeper Bus’ at S.No. 7(a)(iii) to the parent

notification dated 10.07.2019 be quashed and set aside and as a

consequence, the notices issued in Form MTR dated 24.03.2023

and Form MTQ dated 21.06.2023 be quashed.

14. To buttress his contentions, learned counsel for the petitioner

has relied upon the following judgments:-

(1). Decided by the Hon’ble Supreme Court:-

(i). Commissioner of Customs V/s M/s Dilip
Kumar & Company (C.A. No.3327/2007) decided on
30.07.2018.

(ii). Vemareddy Kumarswamy V/s State of AP (CA
No.3066/2000) decided on 13.02.2006.

(iii). Opto Cirtcuit V/s Axis Bank, reported in 2021
CRLJ 1636.

(iv). Tata Chemicals V/s Commissioner of Customs,
reported in 2015 AIR SCW 3571.

(2). Decided by the Rajasthan High Court:-

(i). Sobhagmal Kataria V/s State of Rajasthan,
reported in AIR 1997 RAJ 7.

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(ii). Dilip Buildcon Ltd. V/s State of Rajasthan (DB
CWP No.5407/2022) decided on 21.04.2022
(Jaipur Bench).

(iii). Rampal Samdani V/s Union of India (DB CWP
No.9022/2021) decided on 12.01.2023.

(3).Decided by the Karnataka High Court:-

(i). Union of India V/s Bundi Technology (Case No. WA
1274/2021) decided on 03.12.2022.

15. Per contra, learned counsel for the respondents submitted

that sleeper buses primarily cater to long-distance passengers by

providing comfortable night travel and their operation and

continuation in adequate numbers is essential in public interest for

ensuring the availability of such important services. Sleeper buses

are permitted to obtain regional permits in the form of contract

carriage permits, as any prohibition on public transport would be

unjustified in a democratic system.

16. Learned counsel for the respondents submitted that tax

exemption has not been extended to sleeper buses for obtaining

regional permits, unlike other buses, because granting such

exemption would encourage a large number of sleeper buses to

shift to regional permits. This would adversely affect the

availability of sleeper buses for long-distance night travel,

potentially disrupting night public transport services. The

respondents further submit that such a shift would cause a

significant reduction in the proportion of sleeper buses operating

on long-distance night routes, which is not desirable.

17. Learned counsel further submitted that extending such

exemption to sleeper buses would negatively impact government

revenue and could lead to unhealthy competition in the regional

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permit sector, potentially resulting in the collapse of regional

public transport services. According to the respondents, buses

other than sleeper buses operating under regional permits are

economically less viable, as they lack sleeper facilities and carry

fewer passengers and hence, have been encouraged through the

grant of tax exemption.

18. Learned counsel for the respondents submitted that the

creation of the category of ‘sleeper bus’ at Serial No. 7(a) (iii) is

absolutely correct and has nexus to the object sought to be

achieved. Learned counsel submitted that creation of such a new

category is well within the domain of the respondents as Section

2(7) and (29) clearly envisages the kind of motor vehicle and in

pursuance of the same, the Central Government has issued the

notification dated 05.11.2004, whereby, specifications of the types

of motor vehicles have been mentioned. Since the types of vehicle

mentioned in the Central Government notification has not been

further categorized, therefore, keeping in mind the specification of

types of motor vehicles, the State Government is well within its

rights to categorize the same as per their body types and imposed

the tax on such vehicles permissible within the parameters of

Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951.

Learned counsel submitted that in the present case, the imposition

of tax has been levied keeping in mind the boundaries and

parameters enshrined under Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor

Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951, therefore, no illegality has been

committed. Learned counsel further submitted that even as per

Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules, 1990, the categorization of the

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vehicles is permissible and the present notification has been

issued keeping in mind the provisions of the Rajasthan Motor

Vehicles Rules, 1990. Learned counsel submitted that the validity

of classification of sleeper coach under Rule 7.14A under Chapter

VII of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules, 1990 was assailed

before this Court and vide judgment dated 04.04.2018 delivered

in CWP No.15421/2010 (M/s. Chandra Shubh Yatra Co. Pvt.

Ltd. vs. State of Rajasthan), the validity of Rule 7.14A was

upheld. He therefore, submitted that the amended notification

dated 24.02.2021 is in conformity of law and the same does not

call for any interference by this Court. He therefore, prays that the

writ petition may be dismissed.

19. In support of his contention, learned counsel for the

respondent relied upon judgment dated 13.01.2023 passed by the

Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of the State of Himachal

Pradesh and Ors. vs. Goel Bus Service, Kullu and Ors.,

reported in (2023) 16 SCC 210, paragraph-54 of which reads as

under:-

“54. Entry 35 of List II conferred the power on the
Parliament as also the State Legislatures to make
laws relating to mechanically propelled vehicles of all
kinds and also to lay down the principles on which
taxes on such vehicles are to be levied. The central
enactment i.e. the law made by the Parliament has
not laid down any principles for levy of taxes. The
State Legislatures had the power to levy taxes not
only under Entries 56 and 57 of List II but also to lay
down the principles under Entry 35 of List III.
Therefore, no repugnancy of any kind could be
alleged or pleaded or proved in the absence of there
being any central law laying down principles of levy
of tax. In view of the above, no repugnancy or
conflict of the State enactment with the central
enactment could be sustained.”

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20. As per the reply filed by Union of India, the stand of the

respondent No.2 is also supporting the stand taken by the State of

Rajasthan and submitted that the amendments made vide

notification dated 24.02.2021 are very much within the powers of

the State Government and the word ‘body type’ does not mean

class of vehicles. It was submitted that it is very much within the

powers of the State Government to or not to provide tax

exemption to any motor vehicle.

21. In our considered opinion, the points of consideration in the

present case are:

“(i) Whether the State Government was competent to create
a new taxable category based on “body type” of vehicle
under the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951; and

(ii) Whether the classification of “Sleeper Bus” as a separate
category for levy of tax, without extending exemptions, is
arbitrary or violative of constitutional provisions.”

22. Before proceeding further, we deem it appropriate to quote

the following provisions of law:

Sections 2(7) & 2(29) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
read as under:

(7) “contract carriage” means a motor vehicle which
carries a passenger or passenger or passengers for
hire or reward and is engaged under a contract,
whether expressed or implied, for the use of such
vehicle as a whole for the carriage of passengers
mentioned therein and entered into by a person with a
holder of a permit in relation to such vehicle or any
person authorised by him in this behalf on a fixed or an
agreed rate or sum–

(a) on a time basis, whether or not with reference to any
route or distance; or

(b) from one point to another, and in either case,
without stopping to pick up or set down passengers
not included in the contract anywhere during the
journey, and includes–

(i) a maxicab; and

(ii) a motor cab notwithstanding that separate fares
are charged for its passengers;

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Section 2(29)– “omnibus” means any motor vehicle
constructed or adapted to carry more than six persons
excluding the driver;”

Section 41 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 also reads
as under:

“41. Registration, how to be made.–

(1) ……

(2) ……

(3)……

(4) In addition to the other particulars required to
be included in the certificate of registration, it shall
also specify the type of the motor vehicle, being a
type as the Central Government may, having regard
to the design, construction and use of the motor
vehicle, by notification in the Official Gazette,
specify.”

“Chapter VIII of Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules, 1990 –
Rule 7.14A reads as under :

7.14A. Sleeper coach.-

(1) Sleeper coach shall mean a Motor Vehicle desgined or
constructed to provide facility to either sleep or sleep and
sit having two tier, arrangement with berth necessarily
on the upper tier shall have 1×1 or 2×1 berth
arrangement. The lower tier may have either of the
following arrangements:

(i) Having berth arrangement of 1×1 or 2×1 berth along
the chassis.

(ii) Having seating arrangement of 2×1 or 1×1 seats
across the chassis

(iii) Any other arrangement subject to approval by State
Transport Authority.”

Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act,
1951 also reads as under:

“4. Imposition of tax

(2) A tax on motor vehicles other than those covered by
one time tax shall be payable under this section by the
owner of motor vehicle except for the period during which
the owner surrenders the certificate of registration to the
taxation officer, in the prescribed manner, that the vehicle
has remained out of use for such reasons as may be
prescribed, or satisfies the taxation officer that vehicle
has not been used due to following reasons :-

i) that the motor vehicle was restrained from plying
by the competent court or authority;

(ii) that the motor vehicle was involved in an
accident and a report to this effect was made to
the police and because of accident it remained
out of use;

(iii) that the motor vehicle was attached for the
recovery of tax under the Rajasthan Land
Revenue Act, 1956
(Act No. 15 of 1956) by the

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competent authority or attached under the
warrant of attachment issued by the competent
authority or court and during the period of
attachment the vehicle did not remain in his
possession:”

“Rule 8 of Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, 1951
reads as under :

“8. Verification of declaration and computation of tax.-
The Taxation Officer shall satisfy himself every declaration or
additional declaration presented to him is complete in all
respects and that the correct amount of tax or additional tax, as
the case may be, has been paid, according to the rate of tax
prescribed by the State Government from time to time under
the provisions of the Act. If the declaration submitted by owner
of motor vehicle appears to the Taxation Officer to be incorrect
or incomplete, or owner of motor vehicle fails to submit
declaration, the Taxation Officer shall, after giving a notice in
Form M.T.R. and giving a reasonable opportunity of being heard
to the owner shall compute the amount of tax payable by the
owner for the period for which the declaration was either not
filed or found to be incorrect, and shall serve a notice on the
owner in the Form M.T.Q. along with a certified copy of the
order, requiring him, to pay the tax and the penalty, so
computed, forthwith. If the owner fails to pay the computed tax
and penalty forthwith or the disputed amount is stayed by the
competent authority under Sec. 14 of the Act, or by a
competent Court, he shall be liable to pay, on the amount of
the tax not paid or on the amount of tax stayed, if found due
later on, as the case may be, simple interest, from the next day
following the day of service of notice of demand at the rate of
1.5% per month] till the default continues:

Provided that the amount of interest shall in no case be more
than the amount of tax due.

Provided [further] that where the vehicle is detained under sub-
sec. (2) of Sec. 17 of the Act for the non-payment of tax before
the issuance of the notice in Form M.T.R. such vehicle shall not
be released unless full tax due in respect of such vehicle has
been paid.”

23. We have considered the submissions made at the Bar and

gone through the relevant record of the case.

24. A close reading of the provisions mentioned above and

taking into consideration the Registration Certificate of the vehicle

in issue, it is manifest that the vehicle involved in the present case

is a ‘Bus’ which falls in the definition of Sections 2(7) and 2(29) of

Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Since the Registering

Authority is required to register a vehicle as per Section 41 of the

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Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, therefore, the vehicle registered in the

present case has been kept under the class of vehicle as ‘Bus’ and

we have no doubt that the ‘Bus’ falls in the definition of Section

2(7) and 2(29) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and in Column-1

(Transport Vehicles) type-xii/xxi mentioned in the notification

dated 05.11.2004 issued by the Central Government under

Section 41(4) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 providing

specification of type of motor vehicles.

25. Once the type or class of vehicle mentioned hereinabove is

further categorized into the different categories based on seating

capacity/berth arrangement as per the body types defined under

the Rajasthan Motor Vehicle Rules, 1990, the State Government is

well within its right to categorize such vehicles for the sake of

imposition of tax. Power to levy tax on motor vehicles is within the

domain of the State and it derives power from Entry 57 of List II-

State List and Entry 35 of List III-Concurrent List of the Seventh

Schedule of the Constitution of India.

26. Insertion of S.No. 7(a)(iii) cannot be said to be anything

beyond specifying the rate of motor vehicle tax payable on

passenger vehicles, which is very much within the domain and

authority of the State Government in exercise of powers conferred

by Clause (a) and (c) of Sub-Section (1) of Section 4 read with

Section 3 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951.

Since, the State Government has not violated the Central Act by

categorizing the contract carriage/omnibus based on the body-

type under the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951,

therefore, in the humble opinion of this Court, the respondents

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have not exceeded their jurisdiction in categorizing the “Sleeper

Bus” in category at S.No. 7(a)(iii) by amending the parent

notification dated 10.07.2019.

27. We further note that while amending the notification dated

10.07.2019, the category at S.No. 7(a)(iii) of the transport vehicle

has been introduced as “Sleeper Bus” which is not in violation of

the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the notification

issued by the Central Government, whereby, the types of the

transport vehicles have been mentioned. Since the category of the

“Sleeper Bus” continues to be in the type and class of the vehicles

mentioned in the Central Act and the definition of the contract

carriage 2(7) and omnibus 2(29) and further the registration

having been done in accordance with Section 41(4) of the Act of

1988, therefore, the same cannot be stated to be violative of the

Central Acts.

28. We further note that even as per the respondent-State

Government, a ‘Sleeper Coach’ and a ‘Sleeper Bus’ is one and the

same and since the “Sleeper Coach” is defined in Rule 7.14A of

the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules, 1990, therefore, there is no

difficulty in creation of the same for the purpose of taxation by the

respondent-State. The amendment made vide notification dated

24.02.2021 by introduction of the category at Serial No.7 (a)(iii)

of the notification dated 10.07.2019 is well within the domain of

the State Government as the type and class of the vehicle

introduced has not been changed and the same is perfectly in

conformity with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It

is also relevant to note that a similar clause duly exists in the

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notification dated 10.07.2019 at S.No.8(b) which refers to ‘sleeper

coaches’ and further Explanation to the said notification provides

that for the purpose of computation of seating capacity of the

sleeper coach, each berth shall be treated equal to 2 seats. Thus,

the concept of capacity of/facility provided in a bus, it being

‘seating’ or ‘sleeper’, very much existed in the parent notification

and insertion of category at S.No. 7(a)(iii) cannot be termed as

creation of a new class of the type of vehicle.

29. Therefore, we are of the considered opinion that the answer

to the question no.1 raised hereinabove is that the State

Government was very much within its competence in creating a

new taxable category based on body-type of the vehicle in

exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) and clause (c) of

Section 4 read with Section 3 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles

Taxation Act, 1951.

30. So far as the second question raised above is concerned, the

State Government vide notification dated 10.07.2019 has specified

the rate of Motor Vehicle Tax payable on the passenger vehicles

registered in the State of Rajasthan or registered under any other

State as per the description of class of motor vehicles and rates of

tax therein.

31. We note that for different class/types of vehicles, different

rates of tax have been prescribed and, therefore, at serial no.7 the

vehicles plying on contract carriage permits have been categorized

on the basis of seating capacity. The State Government has

keeping-in-mind the body-types as per Rajasthan Motor Vehicles

Rules, 1990 has categorized ‘Sleeper Coach’ as one of the

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types/class of vehicles in conformity with the Motor Vehicles Act,

1988 and the notification dated 05.11.2004 issued under Section

41(4) by the Central Government. Since, the Sleeper Bus is a

category of class/type of vehicle mentioned in the Motor Vehicles

Act, 1988, therefore, levy of tax and grant of exemptions on the

different categories of vehicles of a particular class/type is

perfectly valid and well within the domain of the State

Government.

32. We further note that as per the amendment dated

24.02.2021, the rates of tax have been amended keeping-in-mind

the intelligible differentia of the class of vehicles and the area of

their operation, therefore, there is no infirmity in imposing the

rate of tax mentioned as per the notification dated 24.02.2021. It

is further noted that the rates of tax imposed in the categories

mentioned in the notification dated 24.02.2021 are well within the

boundaries as mentioned in Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor

Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951. Since the boundaries prescribed

under Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Act,

1951 have not been breached, therefore, it cannot be said that

the State Government has exceeded in their jurisdiction while

imposing the tax on certain categories of the vehicle.

33. We further note that for the grant of exemption the State

Government is fully competent to extend the benefit of

exemptions to a particular category and deny the same to other,

keeping-in-mind the Larger Public Interest, the nexus and the

object sought to be achieved. In the present case, the reasoning

given by the State Government for grant of exemption to the

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category of vehicles at S.No.7(a) (i) and (ii) is that in order to

promote the plying of buses with seating capacity in the Revenue

Divisional Limits, the exemptions have been granted and the same

has not been extended to the sleeper buses mentioned in the

category at S.No.7(a)(iii) so as to avoid competition with those

persons who are running their buses in the revenue divisional

limits. It is further stated that since the Sleeper Buses are plied

on long distance routes by providing comfortable night travel on

the regional permits, therefore, such benefit has not been

extended to them vis-a-vis categories mentioned at S.No.7(a) (i)

and (ii) in order to avoid unhealthy competition between category

at S.No.7(a) (i) and (ii) vis-a-vis category at S.No.7(a)(iii).

34. It is further noteworthy that a perusal of the prayers made in

the writ petition reveals that no challenge has been made with

respect to insertion of clause at S.No.7(a)(iii-a), which was also

inserted by the notification dated 24.02.2021, whereby exemption

of 50% has been extended only to motor vehicles falling in the

categories at S.No.7(a) (i) and (ii) and thus, there is no occasion

to deal with the same in detail. As challenge has been made to the

insertion of category at S.No.7(a)(iii) vide notification dated

24.02.2021, once it is so held that no separate class/type of

vehicle has been created by the State Government by the said

notification, the entire basis of the submissions made by the

petitioner does not survive. Therefore, in view of the discussions

made above, the second question posed by us hereinabove is

answered in the terms that the State was well within its domain to

create a separate category titled ‘Sleeper Bus’ falling in the same

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class/type mentioned in the Central notification for the purpose of

levying tax without extending any exemption of tax in the present

case.

35. The judgments relied upon by the learned counsel for the

petitioner are clearly distinguishable on the facts and

circumstances in the present case as the statute holding the field

for the application of the tax in the present case are clear and

unambiguous. Further the respondents have imposed the tax

absolutely within the ambit of Section 4 of the Rajasthan Motor

Vehicles Taxation Act, 1951 and the imposition of tax by the

respondent is as per the registration of the vehicle in the

particular class/type as mentioned in the notification issued by the

Government of India under Section 41 of the Motor Vehicles Act,

1988.

36. It is further noted that the amendment made by the State

Government to the notification dated 10.07.2019 does not suffer

from any ambiguity as the same has been done as per the

provisions mentioned in the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation

Act, 1951. Further while taxing the Motor Vehicle by adding the

“Sleeper Bus” in the category is not violative of the parent statute

and, therefore, there is no ambiguity/illegality in the same. Thus

the judgments relied upon by the learned counsel for the

petitioner render no help to the petitioner in the present case.

37. The contention of the learned counsel for the petitioner that

in other States the class of Motor Vehicles in the ‘Sleeper Bus’

category has been created for imposing the tax, but, in the State

of Rajasthan there is no such provision, thus, it can safely be

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presumed that the State Government has exceeded its jurisdiction

in creating such category is noted to be rejected on the ground

that as per Rule 7.14A of the Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Rules,

1990, the category of ‘Sleeper Coach’ has been provided and as

per the respondents ‘Sleeper Bus’ and ‘Sleeper Coach’ are one and

the same. Since the ‘Sleeper Coach’ and ‘Sleeper Bus’ are the

categories of type/class of vehicle mentioned in the Motor Vehicles

Act, hence, not mentioning the ‘Sleeper Bus’ into a separate

category will not create any hindrance for the State to impose tax

on the category i.e. ‘Sleeper Bus’ at S.No.7(a)(iii) inserted vide

notification dated 24.02.2021.

38. Since the class or type of the vehicle has not been newly

created and it is only a category which has been created falling

under the type and class mentioned in the Central Statute,

therefore, the State is well within its right to create a separate

category in a particular class or type.

39. As far as challenge to the notice issued in Form MTR dated

24.03.2023 and demand notice issued in Form MTQ dated

21.06.2023 is concerned, it is not disputed that even after the

issuance of notification dated 24.02.2021, the State Government

continued to tax the petitioner under S.No.7(a)(ii) of the

notification dated 10.07.2019 and tax was deposited by the

petitioner in accordance with the same. It is not the case of the

respondents that any misrepresentation or concealment was made

by the petitioner while paying the tax as demanded. Rather, the

respondents admit that there was an error on their part in the

portal. Further, the impugned notices in form MTR and MTQ fail to

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mention any of these facts and rather, even fail to specify the

basis for issuance of the same. Further also, the said notices fail

to adhere to the procedure as envisaged in Rule 8 of the

Rajasthan Motor Vehicles Taxation Rules, 1951 as no certified copy

of the order computing the demand was annexed along with Form

MTQ. In absence of the said compliance, the impugned notices

issued in Form MTR dated 24.03.2024 and demand notice issued

in Form MTQ dated 21.06.2023 deserve to be quashed and are

accordingly quashed.

40. Consequently, the writ petition stands partly allowed in the

manner that the challenge made to the amendment vide

Notification dated 24.02.2021, whereby, a new category at Sr.

No.7(a)(iii) has been inserted in the existing Notification dated

10.07.2019 is upheld, however, the notices issued in the form of

M.T.R. dated 24.03.2023 and demand notice issued in Form M.T.Q.

dated 21.06.2023 are quashed and set aside. However, the

respondents will be at liberty to initiate proceedings, if so

permissible, strictly in accordance with law.

1. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9901/2023

2. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9997/2023

3. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10020/2023

4. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10068/2023

5. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10072/2023

6. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10500/2023

7. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10522/2023

8. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10526/2023

9. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10581/2023

10. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10781/2023

11. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11080/2023

12. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11536/2023

13. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11672/2025

14. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11685/2025

15. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11722/2025

16. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11759/2025

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[2025:RJ-JD:36664-DB] (30 of 30) [CW-11535/2023]

17. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11761/2025

18. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11779/2025

19. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11800/2025

20. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11801/2025

21. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11803/2025

22. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11805/2025

23. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11809/2025

24. D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11841/2025

1. Learned counsel for the parties are in agreement that the

controversy involved in the present writ petitions are squarely

covered by a judgment of even date rendered by this Court in

D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11535/2023 (Khuman Singh vs.

State of Rajasthan).

2. In view of the above, these writ petitions are also partly

allowed in light of judgment passed by this Court in Khuman

Singh‘s case (supra).

3. The stay applications and other pending applications, if any,

also stand disposed of.

4. Photocopy of this order be placed in each connected file.

                                   (ANUROOP SINGHI),J                                   (VINIT KUMAR MATHUR),J
                                    84-108-KartikDave/Taruna

                                    /SunilS/Sanjay/-




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