Pune: A group of law students in Pune staged a protest at Gopal Krushna Gokhale Chowk on Wednesday (February 19), opposing the mandatory installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) for vehicles registered before 2019. The protest aimed to raise public awareness about the rule, which many citizens were reportedly unaware of.
The Central Government has made HSRP installation compulsory for all vehicles sold before 2019, requiring vehicle owners to bear the additional cost. However, protestors argued that since vehicle registration fees were already paid earlier, the government should cover the cost of these new plates.
During the protest, it was revealed that many citizens were unaware of the new rule, highlighting a lack of publicity efforts by the government. Due to this, a black market for HSRP plates has reportedly emerged in Pune, where unauthorized sellers are offering fake number plates at inflated prices.
HSRP Charges for Vehicle Owners in Maharashtra
As per the new rule, vehicle owners in Maharashtra must install HSRP plates at their own expense. The charges are as follows:
₹450 + 18% GST for two-wheelers and tractors
₹500 + 18% GST for three-wheelers
₹745 + 18% GST for all other vehicles
The Maharashtra RTO has set April 30, 2025, as the deadline for compliance.
The protesting students, led by Akshay Kumthekar, demanded that the cost of HSRP plates be borne by the government instead of burdening vehicle owners. They urged either the Central or State Government to intervene and provide free installation of HSRP plates to citizens.
Illegal Sale of HSRP Plates in Pune
Reports indicate that an illegal market for HSRP plates is thriving in Pune. Unauthorized sellers are offering fake plates in Ghorpade Peth, Ambegaon, Malwadi, and Pune-Satara Road, charging:
₹600 for two-wheelers
₹800 for cars
Additionally, sellers are not verifying any vehicle documents before issuing these plates, raising concerns about fraudulent registrations.
With the HSRP deadline approaching, citizens are calling for greater transparency, better public awareness, and strict action against black market operations.
