HC notice to GNCT, MCDs, top cop on plea to ban e-rickshaw

The city government and MCD were today directed by the Delhi High Court to respond to a PIL seeking ban on e-rickshaws on city roads as they are plying without any license or number plate.
A bench of Chief Justice V N Ramana and Justice Pradeep Nandrajog issued notices to Transport department of Delhi government, MCDs and city police Commissioner and sought their response by January 8, 2014 on the PIL for ban on operation of e-rickshaw.
The plea, filed by a social worker Shehnwaz Khan, contended that these e-rickshaws are operated with 4 batteries of 12 voltage with power output of 650 to 850 watt and are designed to ferry only four people, including the driver. But the drivers of these vehicles carry more than 8 people at a time endangering the lives of people, he said.

Alleging that these vehicles carry neither registration numbers nor the number plate, the plea said. "The transport department nor the civic bodies are willing to shoulder their responsibilities. The transport department started saying that these are non-motorised vehicles and thus not covered by the Motor Vehicle Act..."
The petitioner's counsel Sugriv Dubey sought directions to the authorities to take immediate steps to stop operation of e-rickshaws plying in NCT of Delhi, saying "these vehicles have neither the registration number nor insurance cover or fitness certificates".
"The e-rickshaws be allowed to operate by taking 2 to 3 passengers only while plying on the road keeping in view the safety of the passengers," the plea also said.

Further, the PIL said, "the speed ranging between 20 to 40 km per hour of e-rickshaws is not only a safety hazard but also a reason for traffic jams in many areas, especially near metro stations."
"Traffic police is unable to prosecute the drivers as they are not covered under the MV Act and traffic rules of Delhi government," the PIL said, adding that "the vehicles put passengers at risk since in case of any serious accident they cannot even claim insurance.