The Supreme Court has requested the Centre to provide its position regarding the Delhi government’s plea challenging a high court order that stayed a notice served to bike-taxi aggregators Rapido and Uber, allowing them to continue operating until the final policy is announced.
Justices Direct Copy of Petitions to be Served to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
A vacation bench consisting of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Rajesh Bindal has directed that copies of the petitions be served to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The court aims to consider the views of the Union of India on the matter and has scheduled the next hearing for Monday.
Delhi Government Claims High Court Decision Favors Rapido
Senior advocate Manish Vashisht, representing the Delhi government, argued that the high court’s decision to stay the government’s notice until the final policy is notified effectively supports Rapido’s writ petition. The government is challenging the exclusion of two-wheelers from being registered as transport vehicles.
High Court Order Restricts Coercive Action Against Rapido
On May 26, the high court issued a notice to the Delhi government in response to Rapido’s plea, which challenges the law excluding two-wheelers from transport vehicle registration. The court directed that no coercive action should be taken against Rapido until the final policy is announced.
Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited’s Petition
Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, the company operating Rapido, argued in its petition before the high court that the Delhi government’s order to cease carrying passengers on non-transport two-wheelers was passed without any justification. The company also challenged a show-cause notice, claiming violations of fundamental and constitutional rights.
Allegations of Arbitrary Conduct and Violation of Guidelines
Rapido’s plea contends that the direction issued by the transport department under the notice is arbitrary and lacks due process, as no reasons were provided for the prohibition. It further alleges that the city government’s actions contradict the intent and object of licensing guidelines for aggregators under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2020.
Impact on Vehicle Owners, Riders, and Commuters
The blanket ban on Rapido’s services has significant implications for a large number of vehicle owners, riders, and daily commuters. The company argues that the ban adversely affects their lives and livelihoods.
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