[(1)] Whoever engages himself as an agent or canvasser in contravention of the provisions of section 93 or of any rules made thereunder shall be punishable for the first offence with fine [of one thousand rupees] and for any second or subsequent offence with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine [of two thousand rupees], or with both.
[(2) Whoever engages himself as an aggregator in contravention of the provisions of section 93 or of any rules made thereunder shall be punishable with fine up to one lakh rupees but shall not be less than twenty-five thousand rupees.
(3) Whoever, while operating as an aggregator contravenes a condition of the licence granted under sub-section (1) of section 93, not designated by the State Government as a material condition, shall be punishable with fine of five thousand rupees.]
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 193
Section 193 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 penalizes acting as an agent, canvasser, or digital aggregator without statutory licensing authority, incorporating stringent post-2019 Amendment regulatory controls and fines of up to ₹1,00,000 to govern digital transport platforms.
When advising ride-hailing startups or logistics platforms, ensure formal application for aggregator licences is submitted under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines framed under Section 93 r/w Section 193. Operating prior to provisional licence issuance exposes the company to repetitive ₹1,00,000 penalties and application bans.