“Delhi High Court Upholds Regulation of Rural Transport Vehicles: ‘No Further Orders Required,’ Says Justice Prateek Jalan”
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court, led by HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE PRATEEK JALAN, has upheld the regulation of rural transport vehicles, particularly addressing the issue of illegal plying of stage carriages on specified routes. The court’s decision comes in response to two writ petitions filed by drivers/operators of Rural Transport Vehicles operating under the Gramin Sewa scheme.
The petitioners, represented by Mr. Arvind Kumar, Ms. Surabhi Mishra, and Mr. Akash Sahay, Advocates, sought a direction from the court to remove illegal vehicles operating as stage carriages on specific routes. These routes, covered under the Gramin Sewa scheme, include Route No. 60 (Mukandpur to Azadpur Delhi), GS-9 (Shastri Park Metro Station to Mandawli), and GS-147 (Jheel to Kalyanpuri).
The petitioners’ arguments were based on a notification dated 11.12.2014, issued by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), which prohibited the plying of e-rickshaws on 236 roads listed in the notification.
The court carefully examined the facts of the case, including status reports submitted by GNCTD, which acknowledged the presence of unauthorized vehicles on Gramin Sewa routes. GNCTD also detailed actions taken against these illegal vehicles, including challans, impoundment, and prosecutions for various violations.
Justice Prateek Jalan observed, “In view of the action taken thus far, and the assurance of GNCTD that regular action will be taken in respect of the grievances of the petitioner, I am of the view that no further orders are required in this writ petition.”
The court further encouraged the petitioners to submit specific suggestions to the concerned Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for consideration and appropriate action.
With these observations, the Delhi High Court disposed of the writ petitions, indicating its confidence in GNCTD’s commitment to addressing the petitioners’ concerns.
This judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory measures in the transportation sector and highlights the court’s role in ensuring compliance with the law.
Date of Decision: September 13, 2023
FAROOQ vs COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT GNCT OF DELHI AND ANR
