Bollywood’s connection with luxury cars is no secret. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan have been known to flaunt their premium car collections, often including exotic machines like the Rolls Royce. However, even glamour and stardom don’t exempt anyone from the law. Recently, the news of a ₹38 lakh fine imposed on Rolls Royce vehicles associated with the two actors sent shockwaves through social media and the auto industry alike.
Let’s dive deeper into what actually happened, what led to this hefty penalty, and what this incident reveals about the responsibilities of owning a luxury car in India.
What Triggered the ₹38 Lakh Fine?
According to official reports, the Rolls Royce cars were fined due to non-payment of applicable taxes, improper registration, and violation of vehicle compliance norms. These vehicles were allegedly being used without fulfilling certain documentation and tax-related obligations. As per Indian transport laws, all imported vehicles must go through proper channels of customs clearance, road tax payment, and registration with Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
It was revealed during a routine transport department audit that multiple luxury cars — including the Rolls Royce Phantom — linked to Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were not compliant with some of these requirements.
Amitabh Bachchan and His Rolls Royce
Amitabh Bachchan was famously gifted a Rolls Royce Phantom by film director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for his performance in the movie Eklavya. The car turned into a status symbol and remained in the limelight for years. However, questions arose over whether the vehicle had undergone proper re-registration and tax payments, especially after being sold to another party later on.
Aamir Khan’s Name Involved Too
Aamir Khan’s link in the matter is more indirect. Reports suggest that a luxury car connected to him was part of the group of vehicles fined. However, sources close to the actor clarified that the vehicle might have been sold or transferred, and its compliance thereafter was not his responsibility. Still, the authorities included his name in their official memo due to the vehicle’s ownership history.
Understanding the Breakdown of the ₹38 Lakh Penalty
The total ₹38 lakh fine wasn’t just for a single vehicle but was a combined penalty imposed on multiple luxury cars during a crackdown by the transport department. Here’s a general breakdown of how such fines are calculated:
- Import Duty Violations – If a car is imported without paying proper customs duty.
- Lifetime Road Tax Evasion – Especially high in metro cities and luxury segments.
- Incorrect or Fake Registration – Using a lower tax slab from a different state.
- Usage Beyond Permitted Zones – If a car registered in one state is used full-time in another without re-registration.
These issues are common in high-end car ownership where owners try to cut corners due to high tax slabs.
Legal and Social Implications
The fines serve as a strong reminder that celebrity status doesn’t give immunity from following legal procedures. The incident has also sparked conversations about loopholes in vehicle registration laws, and how many high-profile individuals manage to use luxury cars in ways that may bypass tax regulations.
In states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, the road tax for a luxury vehicle can go upwards of ₹20–25 lakh. Some owners try to get around this by registering vehicles in states with lower tax brackets. But once caught, the consequences are financially steep and legally risky.
Rolls Royce in India: Symbol of Status
The Rolls Royce brand in India has long been a symbol of affluence and success. Models like the Ghost, Phantom, and Cullinan are priced between ₹7 crore to ₹10 crore (on-road), depending on customizations. These cars offer unmatched luxury, bespoke interiors, and personalized features — but also attract one of the highest tax slabs and duties in the Indian automotive landscape.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Once the news broke out, social media users had a field day. Some criticized the celebrities for flouting laws, while others raised questions about the complicated and often exorbitant Indian tax structure for imported vehicles. Hashtags like #AmitabhBachchan, #RollsRoyceFine, and #LuxuryTax began trending across platforms.
Many users pointed out that if celebrities don’t comply, it sets a poor example for the general public. Others defended them, arguing that the fault may lie with vehicle dealers, intermediaries, or registration agents.
Lessons for All Luxury Car Owners
This episode offers some important takeaways for all automobile enthusiasts in India:
- Always register your vehicle under the correct RTO jurisdiction.
- Don’t rely entirely on dealers or agents – verify documentation yourself.
- If buying a second-hand luxury car, confirm all taxes and dues are cleared.
- Importing cars personally? Hire a good customs clearance agent.
Conclusion
The ₹38 lakh fine imposed on luxury cars linked to Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan is not just a headline-making event, but a larger lesson on compliance, accountability, and transparency. Owning a premium vehicle is a dream for many — but it also brings with it a host of responsibilities, legal checks, and civic duties.
Even India’s most beloved celebrities can’t overlook the law, and this serves as a reminder for everyone — that no matter how glamorous the car is, the road to legal ownership should be clean, clear, and compliant.
Hello, my name is Muskan Kumari and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 3 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
