Excess auto permits to be withdrawn

Admitting to instances of a single auto driver having more than one permit, the counsel for the government stated that immediate steps would be taken to withdraw such permits.

The Court was hearing a petition filed by the Karnataka State Autorickshaw Drivers’ Welfare Joint Action Committee challenging the decision to withdraw permits issued for an additional 40,000 autos in the City. The court reserved the judgment.

In a public interest litigation on the increase in the number of autos in the City, the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar did not agree with the contention of the petitioner.

“Instead of questioning the number of autorickshaws, why didn’t you file a petition demanding road development or basic facilities” he questioned.

The Bench noted that the government has the authority to decide on the issue.
Since a single judge is hearing the case, the petitioner was directed to seek relief in the same petition.