PIL in Delhi HC challenges implementation of odd-even scheme, says it violates right to equality

A lawyer filed a plea in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday challenging the proposed implementation of the odd-even road rationing scheme, contending that it violates fundamental right to equality by giving exemption to women drivers.

The AAP government has decided to implement the road rationing scheme in the national capital from November 4 to 15.

The PIL sought quashing of the decision to implement the odd-even scheme in Delhi on the ground that granting exemption to women drivers is a violation of the fundamental right to equality.

The PIL came for hearing before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar which listed the matter for November 1 as the petition has not placed on record a copy of the scheme of the Delhi government.

The plea filed by advocate Shashwat Bhardwaj said, "The State, that is, the sole respondent herein, in implementing the said scheme and enforcing it on the residents of Delhi is denying equality before law on the ground of sex and therefore the said scheme warrants it to be struck down by this court as it is clearly in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution."
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier said, "Keeping the security of women in mind, we have decided to exempt women from the odd-even scheme. All vehicles being driven by a lone woman driver, a woman driver ferrying female passengers or those with women drivers and children below the age of 12 will be exempt."