Madras HC allows Tamil Nadu more time on digital driving licence rollout

A division bench of the Madras High Court comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan has refrained from imposing a stay on Tamil Nadu's digital driving licence and registration certificate programme. The bench accepted a request from Advocate General Vijay Narayan to extend the timeline for filing comprehensive counter affidavits addressing concerns raised in pending petitions.

The Tamil Nadu government's initiative aims to digitise traditional paper-based driving licences and vehicle registration documents, aligning with broader efforts to modernise administrative processes across Indian states. The move has faced legal challenges from individuals and organisations expressing concerns about data security, accessibility, and the transition period for citizens.

By permitting the government additional time to respond to the petitions rather than issuing a stay order, the court has allowed the rollout to proceed while legal proceedings continue. The Advocate General's request signalled the state's readiness to address specific objections through detailed written submissions to the court.

The decision reflects a balanced approach by the judiciary, allowing technological advancement while ensuring space for legitimate grievances to be heard through the legal process. The case will likely return before the bench once the government submits its counter affidavits, with the court set to examine the state's responses to the concerns raised.