Indian fast bowler Akash Deep has found himself in a legal bind just days after purchasing his brand-new black Toyota Fortuner SUV. On August 7, 2025, the cricketer bought the vehicle from a Lucknow dealership. However, the car’s registration and High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) have yet to be issued.
Fearing the SUV might be driven without meeting these mandatory requirements, the Transport Department has served a notice to Akash Deep, warning that if the vehicle is spotted on public roads, it will be seized immediately.
The Core Issue
The Fortuner’s chassis number is MBJAA3GS000642625 and engine number 1GDA896852. Despite the purchase, the vehicle remains unregistered and without an HSRP—both mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Driving without these is a clear violation of Indian road laws.
Dealership Also Penalised
The issue doesn’t just implicate the player. According to regulations, a dealer cannot deliver a vehicle without completing registration, HSRP installation, and third registration mark placement.
The Transport Department has fined the dealership, M/s Sunny Motors, and suspended its license for one month. They have also been issued a 14-day show-cause notice, warning that failure to respond could result in trade certificate cancellation.
Investigation Findings
The sale invoice was dated August 7, 2025, and insurance was obtained on August 8, 2025. However, road tax has not been paid, and registration remains incomplete. Despite this, the Fortuner was allegedly spotted on public roads.
Warning to Akash Deep
A usage ban notice has been sent to Akash Deep under various sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, instructing him not to use the vehicle until registration, HSRP, third registration mark, and valid insurance are completed. Any violation will lead to vehicle seizure and legal action.
Transport Department’s Strong Message
Officials emphasised that celebrity status does not place anyone above the law. They stated that high-profile violations send the wrong message and undermine compliance culture. All vehicle owners and dealers have been urged to ensure complete registration and HSRP before delivery.
Wider Crackdown in Lucknow
The Lucknow Transport Department has also taken major enforcement action:
- 8,322 vehicle permits cancelled
- 738 permits suspended for 45 days
- 1,200 notice served for permits expired over seven years ago
