HC stays govt's order for GPS installation for 200 autos

Justice Indermeet Kaur, in an interim order, stayed till May 27 the government's decision to charge Rs 15,000 from auto drivers at the time of installation of the system.

The court gave its order on a plea by 200-odd auto drivers, who moved the court, challenging the part of Delhi government notification, demanding Rs 15,000 for GPS installation.

The court made it clear that the order would be applicable only to the auto drivers who approached the court.

It implies the auto drivers, who approached the court challenging the provision demanding Rs 15,000 for GPS installation will be protected from any action by the city's Transport Department for not installing the gadget aimed at locating the auto at any given point of time, the court clarified.

The Transport Department will be free to collect the money from other auto drivers for installation of GPS as per the government's notification, which came into force on April 6 this year.

Filing a batch of petitions through counsel Praveen Aggarwal, about 200 auto drivers alleged that the government's decision violates their fundamental right to earn their livelihood.

Aggarwal accused the government of having a vested interest in Delhi Integrated Multimodel Transit System (DIMTS), the company selling the GPS costing Rs. 15,000.

"We get the same product elsewhere for Rs.3,000-5,000. But the government is forcing us to buy the expensive model,” he said and sought the court to quash the notification clause which demands the amount from them.

On March 17, the city government had issued a notification which had authorised the Transport Department to collect the amount for setting up a Control Centre Room for installing GPS in the vehicle for better service, security and customer convenience.

“The amount so collected shall be deposited by the permit holder with the agency designated by the government for that purpose at the time of fitness. The owners or permit holders shall deposit an amount of Rs. 15000 per year at the time of fitness; the amount shall be deposited in two instalments,” the notification said.

The court fixed May 27 as the next date of hearing the matter.