Define policy on Ola, Uber, says Bombay HC

The Bombay high court has asked the state government under which policy cabs like Uber and Ola are plying on the road and also sought to know how they are permitted to run under tourist permits.

A division bench of Justice S.C. Dharmadhikari and Justice B.P.Colabawala was hearing a writ petition filed by Radio Taxis associations which include Meru, Mega and Tab cabs demanding complete ban on website and app-based cabs like Uber and Ola.

According to the petitioner, these website-based cabs do not run as per electronic meter, so there are no uniform rates for the cabs.

The state government said it is thinking about formulating a scheme for these cabs.

“These cabs do not halt at taxi stands and they don’t comply with your rules. There is no system to check on these cab services. When has all this started You have only increased the number of cars on the road leading to chaos,” Justice Dharmadhikari said.

The bench directed the government to file an affidavit in which the state needs to explain under what policy such cabs are allowed to ply on the road.

The court also said if a scheme is formulated “then submit that too along with the affidavit.” The court has kept the petition for further hearing on September 2.

According to the petition, taxi transport services can be provided only by those taxi owners who possess necessary contract permit issued by the state government under the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA).

The petition also states that according to MVA, drivers must have a public service vehicle and badges that are issued by the state transport department. These vehicles have meters attached, which charge uniform rates.