Bombay High Court to Hear PIL Challenging Compulsory Marathi Rule for Taxi and Auto Drivers
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved in the Bombay High Court against the Maharashtra government’s mandate requiring auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers to possess a working knowledge of Marathi. The petition argues that the state cannot enforce language proficiency by suspending driving licences and removing people’s livelihoods.
What Happened
On August 25, 2026, four civil rights groups and individual commercial drivers filed a PIL contesting an August 12 notification issued by Maharashtra’s Home (Transport) Department. The notification modified the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, making working knowledge of Marathi an obligatory condition to obtain or renew licences and permits. If a driver fails to satisfy the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) regarding their Marathi proficiency, their licence is subject to a three-month initial suspension, followed by permanent revocation.
Following implementation orders from the Transport Commissioner and Transport Minister, special flying squads were established to inspect drivers, hand out one-month notices, and suspend badges. A local newspaper report cited in the petition noted that during early enforcement in the Vasai-Virar area, 522 auto drivers were inspected, and 61 were issued notices warning of licence suspension.
Key Highlights
- The PIL challenges the August 12 notification amending the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
- Under the rule, drivers who fail the language assessment face an initial three-month suspension, followed by permanent cancellation.
- The legal challenge has been brought on behalf of approximately 9,65,000 taxi and rickshaw permit holders across Maharashtra.
- The petition contends the policy violates Articles 19(1)(d) and 19(1)(e) of the Constitution and breaches the principle of single citizenship.
- The petitioners rely on a March 1, 2017 Bombay High Court division bench verdict that quashed an earlier November 2016 circular with similar requirements for auto permits.
Why This Matters
The petitioners, including migrant drivers from Uttar Pradesh, state that commercial driving is their only occupation and source of income. While affirming that they respect the language and that many communicate using functional Marathi daily, the petitioners contend that neither the Constitution nor the Motor Vehicles Act permits the government to treat citizens from other states as outsiders or deprive families of their livelihoods over language skills.
What to Watch Next
The petition is likely to be mentioned before a Bombay High Court bench led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties are drivers facing under the new rule?
Under the notification, drivers unable to show working knowledge of Marathi to the RTO face a three-month suspension initially, followed by permanent licence revocation.
Who brought the petition before the court?
The PIL was filed by four civil rights organisations and individual drivers on behalf of approximately 9,65,000 auto-rickshaw and taxi permit holders.
What past legal precedent does the petition cite?
The plea refers to a March 1, 2017 ruling by a division bench of the Bombay High Court, which quashed a November 2016 circular that had prescribed a similar Marathi requirement for auto permits.
Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu.