HC asks striking drivers of app-based taxis to end stir

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, asked the drivers of app-based cab firms and their unions to resolve the issues with their employers and end their agitation. The drivers and their unions are on strike in Delhi-ncr protesting against “low fares” and “lack” of basic amenities from the companies.

“You cannot go on fighting, as you do with the government. You will have to resolve and end this agitation as it will not get you anything,” Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said.

The court said that the cab drivers and their unions have a purely contractual relationship with the companies and if they do not desire to continue, they can always choose the more lucrative option, but cannot demand anything from the firms except by peaceful commercial negotiation.

The court’s observations came after the counsel for the two unions submitted that they have met the representatives of the two companies, but could not reach at any settlement.

“We are ready to settle the issue, but they are not,” the counsel said, adding that “We only get around Rs 60 per day from our cab firms so the rate per km should be increased.”

The unions’ contention was opposed by the counsel of a firm, who said, “We are not forcing them to ply taxi for us”.

The court, however, said that the parties should resolve the issue through talks. It appointed a mediator to help resolve the issue amicably. The court has now fixed the matter for hearing on March 22.

The Court, meanwhile, also extended its interim order asking Delhi Police to ensure safety of the drivers having contract with the companies and wanting to ply. It had also said that their vehicles should not be stopped or blocked from plying and these should not be damaged.