SC stays K'taka HC order against quadricycle

The Supreme Court has stayed Karnataka High Court order which barred the introduction of quadricycle, a new category of commercial vehicle, for intra-city public transport.

A bench presided over by Justice Dipak Misra issued notice to the Centre and the Karnataka government and others while staying the proceedings in the matter before the high court. A quadricycle is a small motorised four-wheeler that is high on mileage, low on emissions, occupies less road space. It is described as an excellent intra-city public transport option.

Hearing an appeal filed by Pune-based auto component maker SM Auto Engineering Pvt Ltd, the apex court put a stay on  Karnataka High Court’s August 25  order.

“As an interim measure, it is directed that there shall be stay of operation of the impugned order dated 25th August, 2014, till the next date of hearing,” the apex court said in its order. The court posted the matter for further hearing on March 10.
The high court had stayed the operation of government's decision of February 19, 2014. Certain amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 were introduced to classify quadricycles as a new category of vehicles and also for promulgating separate and specific standards/regulations to be followed by such motor vehicles.

The road transport and highways ministry also approached the apex court recently seeking directions to club all cases relating to the government’s notice to introduce quadricycle. Three petitions have been filed in three high courts, including in Andhra Pradesh High Court, challenging the notification to allow plying of these vehicles on road from October 1.