RTO Sona Chandel earns national praise for enforcing traffic laws without fear or favour, penalising family and government vehicles alike
At a time when “VIP culture” often places the powerful above the law, a woman Regional Transport Officer in Himachal Pradesh is quietly but firmly rewriting the rules of accountability.
Sona Chandel, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Sirmaur district—popularly dubbed Himachal’s ‘Lady Singham’—has drawn nationwide attention for her uncompromising enforcement of traffic laws, even when the violations involved her own family and department.
Chandel’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law came into sharp focus during a special drive to enforce High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP). While conducting routine checks, she stopped a scooter found to be non-compliant—only to discover it belonged to her husband.
Refusing to make exceptions, the RTO issued a challan on the spot and personally paid the fine, sending out a clear message that personal relationships do not override legal responsibility.
Her zero-tolerance approach did not stop there. During another inspection, Chandel found that a vehicle belonging to her own department was being operated without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Treating it no differently from a private vehicle, she imposed a fine on the government car as well.
Official records reflect the scale of her enforcement drive. In the 2024–25 period alone, traffic checks under her supervision have reportedly resulted in fines amounting to nearly ₹2.5 crore, all credited directly to the government treasury.
While the revenue generated is substantial, residents say the real impact lies in restored public trust.
“When officers hold their own families and departments accountable, it changes how citizens perceive the system,” said a local commuter. “It proves the law applies equally to everyone.”
In a system often criticised for selective enforcement, Sona Chandel’s actions stand out as a rare and powerful reminder that the rule of law works best when enforced without fear, favour, or exception.
Also raed: Two New Amrit Bharat Express Trains to Boost Assam’s Long-Distance Rail Connectivity
