MADRA HC DIRECTED STATE TO PERIODICALLY REVISE AUTO-RICKSHAW CHARGES ALONG WITH FLUCTUATING PETROL RATES

Recently, the Madras High Court directed the State government to revise the auto-rickshaw fares periodically considering the fluctuation in rates of petrol and diesel.

 Bharatha Chakravarthy further directed that all auto-rickshaws must be equipped with upgraded electronic meters. The authorities must conduct periodic checks to find whether the rickshaws are operated with meters or not.

The Court passed the above observation while hearing a plea seeking implementation of a Government Order ("GO") with regards to the installation of meters into rickshaws to avoid cheating. Advocate General R Shanmugasundaram informed the court that in incompliance with the GO, the State took action and all auto-rickshaws were with electronic meters. However, the auto-rickshaws did not have printers and therefore, installation of the same was not viable for the State. Moreover, the State is also in the process of installing GPS through mobile applications in the rickshaws.

The Petitioner argued that though meters are installed, the auto-rickshaw drivers demand charges as per their will and not as per the meter.

After the State's submission that autos are equipped with meters, the Court decided to dispose of the writ petition. However, the Court said that the State should take further steps for the benefit of the passengers.