Auto rickshaw union moves Gujarat High Court against mandatory flag meter diktat

The emergence of CCTV footage has added a fresh dimension to the case

AHMEDABAD: An auto-rickshaw union has filed a petition with the Gujarat High Court against the transport department’s enforcement of mandatory flag meters. The union claims that this directive is discriminatory and represents an arbitrary exercise of power without proper legal justification.

In its petition, Jagrut Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union contended that after meter-related rules were repealed in 2005, no valid statutory provision, rule or notification mandated the installation of separate flag meters in auto-rickshaws. Despite this, the transport department issued enforcement orders in 2014, 2016 and 2022, it said. It has also sought the quashing of the city police commissioner’s Dec 15, 2024, order directing action against autos without such meters.

You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in Ahmedabad Stay updated with the latest Ahmedabad news. The petition questions why action is allegedly taken only against auto-rickshaw drivers, while other commercial vehicles are allowed to rely on digital tools such as Google Maps and app-based systems to calculate distances. It argues that the mandatory installation and maintenance of flag meters impose an additional financial burden on auto drivers. The union has challenged three circulars issued by the transport commissioner mandating flag meters in auto-rickshaws. The petitioner has sought directions to the authorities to issue permits and fitness certificates to auto-rickshaws without requiring the installation of flag meters. It has also sought the quashing of all challans issued under the Motor Vehicles Act to autos found without such meters. Download the TOI App.

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