Maharashtra mandates Marathi language proficiency for taxi and auto drivers

Marathi language mandate Mumbai auto-rickshaw strike Maharashtra transport rules Bombay High Court petition driver livelihood protests

The Maharashtra government has implemented a mandate requiring auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers to possess a working knowledge of the Marathi language. This enforcement drive, which began on August 20, involves Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials conducting proficiency tests across the state.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that drivers are not required to be experts, but must have enough functional Marathi to communicate with passengers regarding routes, fares, and destinations. He also noted that the government has extended deadlines for learning the language and will not tolerate injustice based on linguistic background.

The policy has faced significant backlash. Drivers have launched strikes in areas like Kandivali, leading to road blockages and physical altercations that resulted in four arrests. Furthermore, a group of cab drivers has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court, arguing that the rule violates fundamental rights to equality and profession, and exceeds the authority granted by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Commuters in Mumbai have reported shortages of taxis and autos due to the ongoing enforcement and driver protests. While the government provides a one-month grace period for those who fail the initial tests, continued non-compliance can result in the suspension of driving badges and permits for up to three months.

Entities

BJP · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita · Bombay High Court · Devendra Fadnavis · Kandivali · Kandivali Police · Maharashtra Government · Mumbai · Pratap Sarnaik · Regional Transport Office · Transport Commissioner

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Four individuals were arrested in Kandivali following a strike and physical altercation involving auto-rickshaw drivers. www.bhaskarhindi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Drivers have alleged that RTO officials are asking Marathi proficiency questions that exceed the scope of their official training. marksmendaily.com · news24online.com · www.india.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Drivers have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court arguing the rule violates fundamental rights to equality, trade, and life. www.barandbench.com · hindi.news18.com · www.deccanchronicle.com
[● 10 SOURCES] The Maharashtra government has mandated that auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers possess a working knowledge of Marathi. navbharatlive.com · marksmendaily.com · www.barandbench.com · hindi.news18.com · news24online.com · +2 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that drivers do not need to be experts in Marathi, only possessing basic functional knowledge for communication. navbharatlive.com
[DISPUTED] Failure to comply with the language requirement after the grace period can lead to a three-month suspension of driving badges and permits. navbharatlive.com · news24online.com · www.india.com
[● 2 SOURCES] In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, 722 drivers were issued notices after failing the Marathi language proficiency assessment. marksmendaily.com
[DISPUTED] Drivers who fail the Marathi proficiency test will receive a notice and a one-month period to meet the requirement. news24online.com · www.india.com