The section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 notifies about the

alterations in motor vehicles. Here is what it reads-

“No owner of a motor vehicle shall so alter the vehicle that the
particulars contained in the certificate of registration are at variance
with those originally specified by the manufacturer: Provided that
where the owner of a motor vehicle makes modification of the engine,
or any part thereof, of a vehicle for facilitating its operation by different
type of fuel or source of energy including battery, compressed natural
gas, solar power, liquid petroleum gas or any other fuel or source of
energy, by fitment of a conversion kit, such modification shall be
carried out subject to such conditions as may be prescribed: Provided
further that the Central Government may prescribe specifications,
conditions for approval, retrofitment and other related matters for such
conversion kits: Provided also that the Central Government may grant
exemption for alteration of vehicles in a manner other than specified
above, for any specific purpose.”

However, there are some changes you can do in your vehicles, as the
court said that the primary focus of section 52(1) is not to alter the
original specifications by the manufacturer.

What can be modified in a vehicle?

While this can have wide ramifications for the car
modification/accessories industry, owners of the vehicle need not
worry much. Here’s what can be changed in a vehicle –
1) You can change the colour of the vehicle as the SC has said that
changing the color of the vehicle depending on the customer’s will not
deter a vehicle from getting registered.
2) Minor fitments that door protectors, decals, rain guard can be
added.
3) One can change the tyres in affordable cars as the manufacturers
usually offer different spec tyres for base and top variant. (E.g.) Maruti
Suzuki Swift Lxi comes with 160 section tyre while the Zxi comes with
a 180 section tyre. So a Lxi owner can opt for 180 section tyre, as the
vehicle is the same.
4) The engine can be changed, but it requires prior permission from
the RTO. If the protocols are not followed, the vehicle’s registration
can be cancelled.

The court said that any change in its basic structure, mentioned on its
registration certificate, is a violation of the traffic laws as per the amendment
in the Motors Vehicles Act.

Giving its verdict, as reported in Financial Express, a bench comprising

Justices Arun Mishra and Vineet Saran said: "No vehicle can be altered so as
to change original specification made by a manufacturer. Such particulars
cannot be altered which have been specified by the manufacturer for the
purpose of entry in the certificate of registration.

Parts can be changed

Better Tyres
Chain Tensioners
Wraps
Comfortable seats
Upgraded handles
Better brakes
Touring accessories
After-market suspensions
Quick Shifters
After market air-filters