MUMBAI: The Bombay high court rejected a plea filed by Mira Bhayandar Republican Rickshaw Chalak Malak Union against a circular mandating that autorickshaw drivers must have adequate knowledge of Marathi.
The union had also sought a direction to the regional transport commissioner (Thane division) to issue permits to its members. “The members of the petitioner association had attended the interview but could not get through the same since they could not read Marathi. Their applications are still pending,” the petition said. The union’s advocate Suhas Deokar argued that a Nagpur bench of the high court had earlier this year stayed the circular and directed that permits be issued.
“The government had filed affidavit in that matter stating that it will not insist on the circular compelling knowledge of Marathi and will grant permits to candidates who are otherwise qualified,” said Deokar. Thereafter, a Bombay HC bench also passed a similar order in October, he said. The judges, though, said they do not agree with the view taken by the other division and wondered what is wrong with the condition imposed.