Madras High Court directs Tamil Nadu Govt to revise auto rickshaw fares in lieu with fluctuation of fuel prices

A division bench of Madras High Court headed by Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and consisting of Justice Bharata Chakravarthy has directed the State of Tamil Nadu to revise the fares/rates of the auto-rickshaws, periodically, looking to the fluctuation of the rates of petrol/diesel. Court has further directed the state to formulate a mechanism for revision of rates to the benefit of the autorickshaw holders and also the public/passenger.

Above directions were passed in a writ petition filed seeking directions of the court for installation of the meter in auto-rickshaws so that person may not be cheated in terms of fare and that auto-rickshaws should move as per the meter reading. The petitioner in person submitted that even if the electronic meters have been installed on the auto-rickshaws, they do not operate the same, rather, they demand charges as per their sweet-will. He further cited the example of Ola/Uber where the meters are installed and working, whereas, in the auto-rickshaws, though meters may have been installed, it is not being operated or it would not work.

Court on hearing his submissions held that so far as the installation of the meters in the auto-rickshaws, are  concerned, it noted that the Advocate General has stated that almost all the autorickshaws have electronic meters and that the Government is in the process to finding out the ways to install the GPS system in the autorickshaws to the benefit of the public/passengers.

Court further noted,  “complaint is that, despite existence of the meters, the auto-rickshaw holders are not operating it.”

Court held that whenever an auto-rickshaw holder is caught for not using the meter, the action must be taken. Court further held that efforts should be to check the auto-rickshaw holders to find out as to whether they are operating it with the meters or not.

Court at this point directed that all the auto-rickshaw holders should have electronic meters and that should operate and accordingly, periodically, checks should be conducted by the Police and Transport Departments to find out as to whether the auto-rickshaw is being operated with meters or not, and for that, if any complaint is made, then immediate action should be taken on it. The court further directed that State may revise the fares/rates of the auto-rickshaws, periodically, looking to the fluctuation of the rates of petrol/diesel. A mechanism for revision of rate to the benefit of the autorickshaw holders and also the public/passenger may be evolved by using the software in such a manner where the rates may be revised, thereby, upgraded the system/mechanism automatically on the meters.

Case title: S.Ramamurthy Vs Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu