The Bombay High Court has resolved a public interest litigation (PIL) involving the Maharashtra government’s directive requiring auto and taxi drivers to gain proficiency in Marathi. This decision follows the State’s Transport Department’s announcement of a one-year extension for drivers to learn, read, and speak the language.
Background of the Case
The PIL, titled Mohammed Kasim Ahmed v. State of Maharashtra & Ors., was initiated by four app-based drivers associated with the Uber platform. They contested the state’s mandate, arguing it infringes on their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21. The drivers contended the requirement was beyond the scope of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which does not specify language prerequisites for obtaining a driving license.
Court Proceedings
The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad, was informed by the government pleader that the Transport Commissioner had extended the deadline for drivers to master Marathi by one year.
During the proceedings, Acting Chief Justice Ghuge mentioned, “Today we read in the newspapers that the rickshaw drivers’ issue was resolved and they also rejoiced. They met the Chief Minister and their photographs were published in the newspapers.” This indicated a resolution agreeable to the drivers, thus impacting the court’s decision to conclude the case.
Conclusion of the PIL
Given the State’s decision to extend the compliance timeframe, the High Court determined that no further judicial interference was necessary and therefore disposed of the petition. The intervention attempt by the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, supporting the State’s policy, was also concluded due to the disposal of the main petition.
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Representation in the court included Advocate Vivek Shukla for the petitioners, while Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan represented the State. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti was represented by Senior Advocate Navroz Seervai, with support from a legal team at Naik Naik and Company, including Advocates Ameet Naik, Madhu Gadodia, Vivek Dwiwedi, Amruta Thakur, and Aryan Garg.
