Bombay High Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Implementation Of Guidelines Regulating Motor Vehicle Aggregators Like Ola, Uber
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking directions to the State for implementing the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 and for ensuring the safety of passengers travelling in transport aggregators vehicles.
The guidelines serve as a framework for State Governments to consider the issuance of licenses and regulating the business of transport aggregators.
As defined by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, an 'aggregator' is a “digital intermediary or market place for a passenger to connect with a driver for the purpose of transportation.” Thus, transport aggregators connect passengers with drivers for rides.
The leading transport aggregators in India include companies such as Ola and Uber. The PIL raises concerns about the safety and security of passengers using such cab services.
The petitioner argues that the State has not implemented the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 issued in pursuance of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
The petitioner states that though the Central Government has framed Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, the safety of passengers travelling in such vehicles is still at risk in the State.
Today, a division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Amit Borkar issued notices to the respondent authorities including the State and Union of India.
The Court noted that in a similar PIL, a coordinate bench on 07 March 2022, had issued directions to the State including finalization of the draft rules under Section 96 of the MV Act by the State government and issuance of licenses as per Section 93(1).
In view of this order, the Court asked the State to file an affidavit about the measures it has taken to comply with the court's order of 07 March 2022.
Case title: Amitoj Inder Singh vs. Union of India (PIL/80/2024)