Acc to the Motor VEHICLE Act, 1988, traffic police cannot touch or handle a citizen's vehicle except

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, traffic police cannot touch or handle a citizen's vehicle without their permission, except in certain circumstances, as specified under:

_Section 128 (3):_

- A police officer can inspect a vehicle only if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle is being used in contravention of the Act or the rules made thereunder.

_Section 129 (1):_

- A police officer can seize a vehicle only if they have reason to believe that the vehicle has been involved in a cognizable offense.

_Section 130 (1):_

- A police officer can detain a vehicle only if they have reason to believe that the vehicle is being used without proper registration or insurance.

Additionally, the Supreme Court of India in *D.T. Virupakshappa vs. C. Subash* (2011) 2 SCC 143: The court held that "the police cannot touch or handle a vehicle without the owner's permission" and that "such an act would be a violation of Article 21".
- Touching or handling a citizen's vehicle without their permission is a violation of their fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life and Liberty).
- Police officers must have a valid reason and follow due process before touching or handling a citizen's vehicle.