Vehicle Impounded Under Section 207? How to File Superdari Application in Court (2026 Guide)

Published by Adv. Rajesh Verma on 06 October 2026

1. Grounds for Vehicle Seizure Under Section 207 MV Act

Police officers or RTO enforcement squads can impound your vehicle only on specific statutory grounds:

1. Driving without valid registration or forged number plates (Section 39/192).

2. Operating commercial transport without a valid Permit or Fitness (Section 66/192A).

3. Driving without valid third-party insurance (Section 146/196).

4. Dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol (Section 185).

2. What is Superdari? (Section 451 / 457 CrPC)

Superdari is a judicial custody entrustment order under Section 451/457 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The Court entrusts the temporary custody of the seized vehicle back to its rightful registered owner, subject to an undertaking that the vehicle will be produced whenever summoned by the magistrate.

3. Drafting & Filing the Superdari Application in Court

1. Engage an advocate to file a "Superdari Application under Section 451/457 CrPC" before the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate (Traffic Court).

2. Attach:

  • Copy of Seizure Memo / Challan Receipt.
  • Certified copy of Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC).
  • Active Motor Insurance Cover Note.
  • Applicant's ID & Address Proof.

    • 3. Court issues notice to the Traffic Police Station / Investigating Officer (IO) to verify ownership and file a status report (Kalandra verification).

    4. Furnishing Surety Bond & Releasing the Vehicle

  • The Magistrate passes an order releasing the vehicle upon furnishing a Superdarinama / Indemnity Bond (usually equal to the estimated market value of the vehicle) with one local surety.
  • Carry the certified court release order (Robkar) to the Police Malkhana / Traffic Yard and take delivery of your vehicle.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can the police keep an impounded vehicle indefinitely?

    No. The Supreme Court in Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai vs State of Gujarat directed that seized vehicles should not remain in police stations to rust and must be released on Superdari within 15 to 30 days.

    What documents are required for filing a Superdari application in court?

    You need the Original RC (or Form 23), Valid Insurance policy, PUCC, seizure memo (Zabti memo) issued by the police officer, and your Aadhaar identity proof.

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