Is there any policy for putting ads on autos? HC to Delhi govt

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 08 2013 | 6:15 PM IST
The Delhi High Court today asked the city government to inform it whether any policy or guideline exists for putting advertisements and posters on auto rickshaws here.
A division bench of acting Chief Justice B D Ahmed and Justice Vibhu Bakhru asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Gaurav Banerjee, who appeared for Delhi government, to seek instructions from the Transport Department and and inform it by next date of hearing on a group of auto drivers' plea against the government's June 6 order prohibiting them from putting advertisements and posters on their autos.
The auto rickshaw drivers in their plea said the government's action is "discriminatory" against poor auto drivers and is also targeted at Aam Aadmi Party whose posters were put up by thousands of auto drivers.
Delhi government has initiated a move to prosecute autorickshaw owners or drivers under Rule 71(2) of Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules for displaying advertisements on their vehicles.
The bench also asked Prashant Bhushan, the counsel for the petitioners, to file an affiddavit in two days giving more detail in their plea and posted the matter for July 15.
Bhushan submitted before the court that radio taxis in Delhi have been carrying advertisements on them but no action has been taken against them.
Countering the petitioners' arguments, the ASG said there is a policy for taxi drivers and if they violate it, the government can cancel their permits.
The auto drivers also said "the said rule is ultra vires the enabling Act which empowers the respondent (govt) to frame rules to regulate (not even 'restrict') but not to prohibit the advertisements on autorickshaws.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 08 2013 | 6:15 PM IST

Next Story