‘Ban on cycle rickshaw unjustified’

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked authorities to review the ban on plying of cycle rickshaws on arterial roads of the Capital, including Chandni Chowk, much to the relief of around 8 lakh cycle rickshaw pullers in the city.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked authorities to review the ban on plying of cycle rickshaws on arterial roads of the Capital, including Chandni Chowk, much to the relief of around 8 lakh cycle rickshaw pullers in the city.

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The court said in the present circumstances, it feels zoning restrictions or ban on the use of cycle rickshaws on arterial roads is “unjustified”.

“The court is of the opinion that the matter requires thorough review,” it said.

A Bench of Chief Justice A.P. Shah, justices S. Ravindra Bhat and S. Muralidhar also removed the present cap of 99,000 licences terming it “arbitrary”. There are approximately 4.5 lakh rickshaws in Delhi.

In 2006, the court had banned playing of cycle rickshaws in arterial roads in Old Delhi.

The court was acting on a PIL filed by NGO Manushi Sangathan, representing poor migrants challenging the ban.