129A. [ Power to detain vehicles used without certificate of registration or permit. [Inserted by Act 20 of 1942, section 20.]
- Any police officer authorised in this behalf or other person authorised in this behalf by the [State Government] may, if he has reason to believe that a motor vehicle has been or is being used in contravention of the provisions of [section 22] [Substituted by Act 100 of 1956, section 95, for 'sub-section (1) of section 22' (w.e.f. 16-2-1957).] or without the permit required by sub-section (1) of section 42 or in contravention of any condition of such permit relating to the route on which or the area in which or the purpose for which the vehicle may be used, seize and detain the vehicle, and for this purpose take or cause to be taken any steps he may consider proper for the temporary safe custody of the vehicle:][Provided that where any such officer or person has reason to believe that a motor vehicle has been or is being used without the permit required by sub-section (1) of section 42, he may, instead of seizing the vehicle, seize the certificate of registration of the vehicle and shall issue an acknowledgement in respect thereof.] [Inserted Proviso by Act 56 of 1969, section 70 (w.e.f. 2.3.1970).][Provided further that where a motor vehicle has been seized and detained under this section for contravention of the provisions of section 22, such vehicle shall not be released to the owner unless and until he produces a valid certificate of registration under this Act in respect of that vehicle.] [Inserted Proviso by Act 47 of 1978, section 36 (w.e.f. 16-1-1979).]
