(1) Each State Government shall maintain, in such form as may be prescribed by the Central Government, a register to be known as the State Register of Driving Licences, in respect of driving licences issued and renewed by the licensing authorities of the State Government, containing particulars, including -(a)names and addresses of holders of driving licences;(b)licence numbers;(c)dates of issue or renewal of licences;(d)dates of expiry of licences;(e)classes and types of vehicles authorised to be driven; and(f)such other particulars as the Central Government may prescribe.]
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 26
Section 26 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates the compilation and maintenance of the State Register of Driving Licences by State Governments and its seamless transmission to the Central Government's National Register (Sarathi).
In any MACT claim where the validity of a driving licence is contested, never rely on unverified private investigator reports. Apply under Section 76 of the Evidence Act / Section 26 MV Act for a certified electronic extract of the Sarathi register or summon the RTO nodal officer. An official certified entry from the National/State Register carries statutory presumption of genuineness.