Friday, April 13, 2012

SC rejects auto union’s plea against e-meters

The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the petition of Mumbai Autorickshawmen’s Union (MAU) against the government notification making e-meters mandatory in three-wheelers. The petition was rejected at the admission stage itself.  “The government is playing with fire. Both, commuters as well as the autorickshaws drivers, are going to repent this decision to introduce e-meters.”
Union had opposed the notification because there was no proper infrastructure in place to support this system of e-meters. The union had also expressed doubts on the functioning and efficacy of the gadgets. “There are no adequate centres to repair or recalibrate these meters in Mumbai.
Transport commissioner V N More said: “The decision has been taken in public interest. There are thousands of taxis with e-meters and they are functioning satisfactorily.” MAU had moved the SC after the HC rejected the petition challenging the government’s orders to make e-meters mandatory from April 1 onwards. At the time, the HC had observed: “The decision taken by the government is in the larger interest of consumers in the city and state. If modern mechanism is available for arriving at the correct fare, it should not be objected to by unions on some tricky points.” It will take at least a year for autos to be fitted with new e-meters.

No comments:

Post a Comment