PIL filed against Mira-Bhayander auto drivers

Frustrated with autorickshaws in Mira-Bhayander plying without a meter and charging exorbitant rates for even short distances, a resident of the area has knocked on the doors of the Bombay High Court.

Frustrated with autorickshaws in Mira-Bhayander plying without a meter and charging exorbitant rates for even short distances, a resident of the area has knocked on the doors of the Bombay High Court.

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Advocate BN Poojary has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking that the government and the transport department implement and strictly enforce the terms and conditions regarding meters.

A division bench of justices Ranjana Desai and RV More has asked the government to file a reply within two weeks.

Poojary had stated that auto drivers were bluntly violating all rules laid down by the regional transport offices (RTO).

They neither have any meters fixed on their vehicles nor did they have tariff cards.

Further, passengers ferried by these autos exceed the seating capacity, endangering life.
“As there is no punitive action taken against auto rickshaw owners and operators, they violate the law and compel the public to pay 100% more than the normal fare,” the PIL stated.

The PIL asks that the court direct the authorities to ensure that auto rickshaw drivers collect fare strictly as per the approved charges and have meters fixed on all autos.