The Maharashtra government’s decision to make practical knowledge of Marathi mandatory for auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers has been challenged before the Bombay High Court.

Four app-based cab drivers have approached the High Court seeking to quash the government’s August 12 notification and an interim stay on its implementation.

The petitioners have argued that making knowledge of Marathi a prerequisite for obtaining or retaining a driving licence, driver badge or permit exceeds the powers granted to the State under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

They have also contended that the requirement violates their fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

The plea particularly challenges provisions under which a driver’s badge can initially be suspended and subsequently cancelled if the driver fails to demonstrate practical knowledge of Marathi. According to the petitioners, the rule could adversely affect the livelihood of a large number of commercial vehicle drivers operating across Maharashtra.

The challenge follows the Maharashtra government’s August 12 amendment to the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, under which working knowledge of Marathi has been made mandatory for drivers of auto-rickshaws, taxis and app-based motor cabs equipped with electronic meters.

The amended rules also provide for suspension of licence-related permissions in case of violations, with cancellation possible if the non-compliance continues.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had earlier stated that a requirement of practical knowledge of Marathi for operating auto-rickshaws and taxis had been in place in the State since 1989, although it was not strictly enforced.

Sarnaik clarified on Monday that under the latest government resolution, Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials would issue a one-month notice to auto and taxi drivers who do not possess working knowledge of Marathi, giving them an opportunity to learn the language.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Transport Department launched a statewide drive on August 20 to assess the working knowledge of Marathi among non-Marathi-speaking taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers.

The authorities have also claimed that under the 105-day ‘Hinduhriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Marathi Language Campaign’, as many as 1,65,601 non-Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers came forward to learn functional Marathi.