Process to formulate guidelines for app-based cabs, Delhi HC told

The Delhi government on Monday told the High Court that it was in the process of formulating its own guidelines on app-based taxi aggregators including Uber and Ola, keeping in mind the policy drafted by a court-appointed committee.

Justice Manmohan was told by the city government that it cannot accept the recommendation of the committee in its current form as it will apply its own mind and mould it according to the needs of the city.

It sought two months' time for the purpose.

The court, posting the matter for April 17 for further hearing, asked the Central government to file a report regarding action taken by it to implement the policy framed by the expert panel.

The court asked for an action taken report after Uber's lawyers said that a legislation based on the policy is likely to be taken up by Parliament in its Budget Session.

The committee, headed by the Union Road Transport and Highways Secretary, had submitted its recommendations to the court on December 21, 2016.

It had recommended "range bound dynamic pricing" to be allowed to effectively match demand and supply, and that the maximum tariff may be permitted up to three times the minimum tariff.

The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by radio taxi operators against the Delhi government for allowing Ola and Uber to operate without any licence, while the two companies filed contempt pleas against each other for alleged violation of court orders.

--IANS

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