• 28 Jun 2025

Own a Vehicle? Even After Selling, You Could Be Dragged to Court!

Karnataka High Court’s 2025 Ruling on Section 482 CrPC Explained

Introduction: Don’t Think Selling Ends Your Liability

Did you sell your old vehicle and assume you’re no longer responsible? Think again. In a surprising and strict judgment delivered on 16 June 2025, the Karnataka High Court held that simply selling your vehicle does not absolve you from legal liability unless the Registration Certificate (RC) is officially transferred to the new owner.

The Case: Prabhakaran K vs State of Karnataka (CRL.P No. 10284/2023)

A tragic accident occurred when a speeding truck collided with a scooter. The scooter rider a schoolgoing mother tragically died on the spot. The RC, however, was still registered in the name of Prabhakaran K, who claimed he had sold the scooter before the incident.

Despite this claim, the Court held that legal responsibility remains with the registered owner, even after sale, unless the RC has been legally transferred.

Legal Sections Involved

• IPC Section 279 – Rash driving or riding, Punishment: Up to 6 months prison, or fine, or both.
• IPC Section 304A – Causing death by negligence, Punishment: Up to 2 years prison, or fine, or both.

Additionally, the seller was accused of giving the vehicle to someone without a driving license, which can be considered indirect negligence. If you knowingly let someone unlicensed drive your vehicle, you can face criminal charges too.

482 CrPC Petition: Court's Response

Prabhakaran filed a Section 482 CrPC petition, asking to quash the FIR. The High Court declined, stating this is not a case for pre-trial dismissal. The proper remedy is to raise the defenses during the trial itself not to dismiss the charges at this stage.

Key Takeaways You Must Know

1. Selling a vehicle alone doesn’t end your liability
2. RC must be officially transferred, otherwise you remain the owner in the eyes of the law
3. Letting someone drive without a license is a criminal offence
4. Legal responsibility stays with the registered owner, even if someone else is driving

Caution for Sellers

Before you sell any vehicle, make sure to complete the RC transfer process immediately. Failure to do so could land you in court from the FIR stage up to conviction even if someone else was driving.

Conclusion: Legal Awareness Is Non-Negotiable

Next time you sell a vehicle, don’t skip the RC transfer. Properly document the sale and file the required forms to protect yourself. If not, you could face legal consequences far beyond your intentions.