Delhi Govt Assures High Court To Minimize Unauthorised E-Rickshaws Plying On Routes Allotted To Gramin Sewa Operators

The Delhi Government has told the Delhi High Court that it will continue to take necessary steps to check and minimize plying of unauthorized stage carriages, including e-rickshaws, on the routes allotted to Gramin Sewa operators in the national capital.

Taking note of the assurance, Justice Prateek Jalan disposed of two petitions moved by drivers and operators of Rural Transport Vehicles plying on specific routes under the Gramin Sewa scheme.

One of the petitions was filed by a driver operating a Gramin Sewa vehicle seeking removal of illegal vehicles plying as stage carriages on his route.

Another petition was filed by an association of Gramin Sewa operators being aggrieved by illegal plying of stage carriages, particularly e-rickshaws, on their routes.

The pleas placed reliance on a notification issued on December 11, 2014, vide which the Delhi Government prohibited plying of e-rickshaws on 236 roads in the national capital, as enumerated in the notification Schedule.

In the status report filed from time to time in the matter, the Delhi Government GNCTD accepted that unauthorised vehicles were plying on routes allocated for Gramin Sewa. However, it stated that action is being taken against such illegal vehicles in special drives and also during regular duties of police personnel.

The Delhi Government also told court that necessary reviews will be taken by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and other concerned officials at appropriate level to ensure that the petitioners’ grievances were minimized.

“In view of the action taken thus far, and the assurance of GNCTD that regular action will be taken in respect of the grievances of the petitioner, I am of the view that no further orders are required in this writ petition,” the court said.

It added that in case the petitioners had any specific suggestions to offer, they may submit the same to the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) of the area, who will consider their suggestions and take appropriate steps.

Advocates Arvind Kumar, Surabhi Mishra and Akash Sahay appeared for the petitioners.

Standing counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi appeared for Delhi Government, with Advocates Arun Panwar, Pradyumn Rao, Utkarsh Singh, Kartik Sharma, Prashansa Sharma and Sweety Singh.

Case Title: FAROOQ v. COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT GNCT OF DELHI AND ANR and other connected matter

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 868

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