Bombay High Court Petition Challenges Mandatory Marathi Language Rule for Cab Drivers A petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the Maharashtra government's mandate requiring cab and auto drivers to know Marathi. Petitioners argue the rule threatens livelihoods and exceeds motor vehicle laws. Four cab drivers have approached the Bombay High Court to challenge the Maharashtra government's mandate making a basic understanding of Marathi compulsory for auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers. The petitioners argue that this language condition poses an immediate and severe threat to the livelihoods of drivers across the state. Filed through advocate Vivek Shukla, the petition is likely to be mentioned for an urgent hearing before the bench of the Chief Justice on August 26. The petition seeks an immediate stay on the government notification issued on August 12 along with directions for interim relief. Legal and Constitutional Grounds Challenged The petitioners have questioned the legal validity of the state government's decision, arguing that the new language requirement falls outside the scope of powers granted to the state under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. According to the petition, the parent legislation does not mandate any specific language proficiency or working knowledge for obtaining a driving license, driver badge, or vehicle permit. The drivers further contend that enforcing such a condition violates their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, freedom to practice any profession or carry on trade, and the right to life and personal liberty. Arguments Over Exceeding Statutory Authority The petition points out that the parent law grants no authority to the state government to prescribe a working knowledge of any language as a qualification, badge condition, or permit requirement, nor does it allow for the suspension or cancellation of badges on this basis. The disputed notification introduces a new disqualification and a new ground for suspension and cancellation that was never enacted by Parliament. Impact on Nearly One Million Drivers Across Maharashtra Highlighting the sweeping reach of the government's order, the petition notes that approximately 9.65 million auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges have been issued across Maharashtra. Drivers have warned that enforcing this notification could subject a vast number of individuals, particularly poor and migrant workers, to official notices, badge suspensions, and permit cancellations. Scale of Non-Marathi Speaking Drivers Highlighted The petition mentions that during the 105-day Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Bhasha Abhiyan conducted by the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh, roughly 165,000 drivers who do not speak Marathi were identified. Citing the state transport minister's own public statements regarding the total issuance of 965,000 rickshaw and taxi permits and badges, the petition reiterates that lakhs of drivers face the looming threat of notices, suspensions, and canceled permits. What this means for you • Across India: This case highlights the broader legal debate surrounding state-imposed language mandates and the rights of migrant workers nationwide. • In Maharashtra: Approximately 965,000 auto and taxi drivers face direct implications regarding their job security, permits, and livelihood depending on the court's final ruling. Questions & Answers 1. What decision is being challenged in the Bombay High Court? The Maharashtra government notification making a basic understanding of Marathi mandatory for auto, taxi, and cab drivers is being challenged. 2. Who filed the petition and through whom? The petition was filed by four cab drivers through advocate Vivek Shukla in the Bombay High Court. 3. What is the primary legal argument raised by the petitioners? The petitioners argue that the language condition falls outside the scope of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and violates their fundamental constitutional rights. 4. How many drivers in Maharashtra are estimated to be affected by this rule? According to the petition, approximately 965,000 auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges issued across Maharashtra could be impacted. https://trendkia.com/en/maharashtra/bombay-high-court-petition-challenges-mandatory-marathi-language-rule-for-cab-drivers-21866 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.