The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the city government to spell out what it has done to enforce its 2023 notification fixing fares for auto rickshaws and taxis, amid complaints that drivers continue to overcharge passengers and refuse rides for not paying arbitrary amounts.
A bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued notice to the Delhi government, its Transport Department, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), directing them to file detailed status reports on steps taken to implement the fare notification issued on January 9, 2023.
The court also sought specific data on enforcement. It asked authorities to disclose how many challans have been issued to auto rickshaw and taxi drivers for fare violations, what standard operating procedures are in place, and how passenger grievances are being addressed. The bench said the status report should clearly outline the measures adopted to ensure compliance with the government-mandated fare structure.
The directions came while hearing a petition filed by lawyer Anil Nimesh, who flagged what he described as routine overcharging by auto rickshaw drivers and widespread refusal to operate by the fare meter. According to the plea, drivers often demand fares of their own choosing and decline rides when passengers insist on paying as per the meter or prescribed rates.
Under the 2023 notification, the Delhi government fixed the fares chargeable by auto rickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis operating in the national capital. The notification took effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette.
The petition also raised concerns about app-based aggregators operating auto rickshaws. It alleged that private companies such as Uber and Rapido, which hire government-approved auto rickshaws through mobile applications, charge passengers fares higher than those prescribed by the government.
The plea stated that the petitioner first approached government authorities with complaints in October 2024, but alleged that little had changed on the ground, with drivers continuing to avoid using fare meters and ignoring the official fare chart.
Among other reliefs, the petition sought directions to the authorities to issue public notices warning auto rickshaw drivers of fines or cancellation of licences if they violate the fare rules. The High Court has now asked the concerned departments to respond with concrete details on enforcement and compliance.
