Hyderabad: Car owner along with vehicle modification shop booked for unauthorised vehicle alteration

Jubilee Hills police book case against owner of illegally modified luxury car in Hyderabad, facing legal action

The Jubilee Hills police booked a case against the owner of a Mercedes-Benz, originally in Polar White, for illegally modifying it into a multicoloured vehicle at a shop located in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

The police have come across the modified car during a routine check conducted by the Jubilee Hills police on February 11, 2025. The owner, Sujeeth Vasanth was caught driving in a rash and negligent manner. “We have booked a case against the owner of the car and The Wrap Team [which modified the car], located on road number 12 in Banjara Hills,” said V. Rajashekar, a sub inspector at Jubilee Hills police station.

Upon inspection, authorities found that the car’s colour had been altered without the necessary approvals from polar white to a colour-changing-film displaying green and yellow shades.

Sujeeth, as the car owner, and the modification workshop have been charged under Section 182A(1) of the MV Act, which penalises unauthorised alterations to vehicle colour with a punishment of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. Additionally section 182A(4) of the MV Act was added for permitting the unauthorised modification of vehicles.

A representative from The Wrap Team stated, “I was not aware of the law and was counselled by the police. Sujeeth had claimed that he wanted to do it for a fashion photoshoot. I told the police that the company is about [vehicle] detailing business,and I was told that it was for a brand promotion,” said the person, requesting anonymity.

“The applied film was given by Sujeeth. He is a friend’s friend, so I obliged. The sub inspector told me he was driving rashly and the number plate was not as per rule,” he added.

Authorities have reiterated that any changes to a vehicle’s colour must be approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and properly documented. Officials warn that violations of such regulations will result in strict legal action. Investigation into the matter is underway.