Gujarat Auto Unions Demand Repeal of Flag Meter Rule
In a significant legal move, three major auto driver associations in Gujarat have approached the state’s high court, urging it to quash the government’s decision to impose a fine on autorickshaw drivers plying without flag meters. The petition, filed on Monday, challenges the notification issued by the state’s transport department in 2019, which mandates that all autorickshaws must operate with flag meters. A recent order issued by the Kalupur police inspector, scheduled to come into effect from January 1, 2025, to enforce this rule, has sparked intense opposition from autorickshaw unions, who argue that the regulation is unjust and discriminatory.
The petitioners, which include the Jagrut Autorickshaw Drivers’ Union, the Navyug Auto Driver Welfare Association from Ahmedabad, and the Vadodara Shaher ane Jilla Rickshaw Chalak Union, have raised concerns over what they deem as a disproportionate enforcement targeting only autorickshaws. The unions argue that the rule is unfairly focused on their community while other commercial vehicles, such as taxis, maxi cabs, buses, and even two-wheelers, which also offer public transport services, do not face similar meter requirements. The petitioners claim this selective enforcement violates the constitutional right to equality under Article 14, which guarantees non-discriminatory treatment for all citizens.
Further compounding their grievances, the unions highlight that the legal metrology department, which enforces these rules, only checks flag meters for autorickshaws. Meanwhile, popular ride-hailing platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, which operate millions of vehicles, do not use traditional meters in their cars, yet they face no punitive action. The petitioners allege that the law is being used disproportionately against the less influential autorickshaw community, thereby exacerbating the economic pressures they face.
The petitioners are now seeking judicial intervention to halt the implementation of this rule and to prevent police authorities from taking punitive action against autorickshaw owners. The challenge also seeks the cancellation of the 2019 notification and the police inspector’s office order, claiming that these actions infringe upon the rights of the drivers, who already face financial challenges. As the case heads for a hearing after the Christmas vacation, the outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for autorickshaw drivers but also for broader transport policies in Gujarat.
From a civic perspective, the issue underscores the complexities of regulating public transport services in urban India. Autorickshaws play a crucial role in providing last-mile connectivity, especially in busy cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara. However, the growing dependence on app-based services and the reluctance of regulatory bodies to impose similar rules on these companies points to a larger issue of inequality in enforcement. This raises questions about the role of the government in ensuring fair regulation across all segments of the transport sector.
The sustainability angle also provides an interesting perspective. As India moves towards greener transport solutions, it is essential that regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate new technologies and modes of transport. The debate over flag meters illustrates the challenges of adapting traditional regulatory measures to the growing presence of digital platforms, which do not necessarily align with the physical infrastructure of older transportation models. There is an opportunity here for policymakers to rethink how they approach regulation, ensuring that it is both fair and aligned with broader sustainability goals. The future of urban mobility in India will depend on creating a level playing field for all transport services while promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
In conclusion, the legal challenge to the Gujarat government’s flag meter rule raises important questions about fairness, equity, and the future of transportation in the state. While autorickshaw drivers have long been an essential part of urban mobility, they are now calling for a more balanced approach that takes into account the rapidly changing landscape of public transport. How the court rules will be critical in determining the future of autorickshaw regulations and could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues in the years to come.
