Ola, Uber drivers challenge new rules

Six drivers operating on the Ola and Uber software, have approached the Bombay High Court challenging the new rules framed by the Maharashtra government which bars them from plying in Mumbai.

The petition of these drivers was mentioned on Tuesday before a division bench presided over by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice Nitin Jamdar.

Senior counsel Kevic Setalvad, appearing for the drivers, informed the bench that the government has come up with new rules called as the Maharashtra City Taxi Rules, 2017. He also informed the bench that as per the new rules, the government has imposed a ban on these drivers to ply their vehicles inside Mumbai.

“The new rules have a provision that bars all appbased vehicles from plying in the city of Mumbai. These vehicles would be permitted only under one provision that compels such vehicles to obtain local license like the kaalipeeli taxis,” Setalvad added.

According to the drivers’ petitioner, the rules are ‘arbitrary’ as the government has asked them to pay 10 times more than the kaalipeeli taxis. “The basic aim of these rules is to seamlessly merge these vehicles like the kaali-peeli taxis in the licence regime. These rules will deprive us from our livelihood,” Setalvad said.

After hearing the submission, Chief Justice Chellur initially said that instead of the drivers approaching the court, it is the companies (Ola and Uber) that should approach the court and challenge the rules.

“If the vehicles are not allowed in the city, it is not like only the drivers would face a loss but also the companies will bear the brunt. We want to hear the Ola and Uber company on this issue,” Chief Justice Chellur added.

Posting the matter for further hearing in this month, the bench directed the drivers to serve notices to Ola and Uber so that they can put forth their view on this issue.

The court noted that in south Mumbai and in some parts of Central Mumbai, the state government had prohibited the plying of auto rickshaws.

"Even though auto rickshaw drivers have permits, they are not allowed to ply in some parts of the city," Chief Justice Chellur said.

According to the rules, app-based taxis will not be allowed to ply within the Mumbai etropolitan Region on a national tourist permit. Obtaining local permits would cost private taxi drivers and owners 10 times more than what it would cost drivers of...