Image by Simon from Pixabay
A language rule could affect nearly 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges across Maharashtra. Four Mumbai cab drivers have now moved the Bombay High Court, arguing that the Maharashtra Marathi language rule for cab drivers threatens their jobs and exceeds the state's legal powers. The dispute now involves language policy, transport rules and the rights of workers who depend on driving for their income.
Why the Marathi language rule for cab drivers reached Bombay High Court
The petition was filed by Mohammed Kasim Ahmad, Mohammed Tauseef Shaikh, Siyad Ahamad and Sadik Nasir Ali Khan. Advocate Vivek Shukla filed the case on their behalf. The petitioners are seeking urgent relief and a stay on the government notification while the court considers their legal challenge.
The drivers say the state cannot add a new language condition for commercial drivers without clear authority under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. They argue that the central law does not require a driver to know a particular language to obtain a licence, driver badge or permit.
The petition also claims that the rule could lead to badge suspensions and permit cancellations. That prospect has raised concern among drivers who may lose their main source of income if they fail a language assessment or receive a notice from transport officials.
The Bombay High Court had not ruled on the petition at the time of the reports. The case was expected to be mentioned for urgent directions later in the week.
What the government notification requires
The dispute centres on the phrase "working knowledge of Marathi." The available reports do not describe the rule as a demand for advanced fluency, formal writing skills or literary knowledge. Instead, state officials have described it as a practical requirement for drivers who deal with passengers during daily work.
The Maharashtra Transport Department began a statewide drive on August 20 to assess the Marathi skills of non-Marathi-speaking taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers. The move followed the August 12 notification that the petitioners are challenging.
For a driver, practical language skills could include understanding a passenger's destination, answering basic questions, discussing fares where allowed and responding during a roadside check. The court may need to examine how the state defines "working knowledge" and what test or process officials will use.
That detail matters because a vague test could produce different results across cities, exam centers or transport offices. Clear standards would also be needed before the state could take action against a badge or permit.
Why the Motor Vehicles Act matters to the legal challenge
The drivers' main legal argument is that Maharashtra cannot create a fresh qualification through a government notification when the parent law does not provide one. They say the Motor Vehicles Act sets the legal framework for driving licences, badges and permits, but does not give the state power to impose a language test.
The petition refers to Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. Article 14 protects equality before the law. Article 19 protects a person's right to practise a profession or carry on a trade, while Article 21 protects life and personal liberty.
The petitioners argue that the notification creates a new disqualification that Parliament did not include in the Motor Vehicles Act. They also question whether the state can suspend or cancel a driver badge because of language ability when the law does not list that as a ground.
These are claims made by the petitioners, not findings by the court. The judges will have to decide whether the notification fits within existing transport law and whether its enforcement affects constitutional rights.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra Marathi language rule for cab drivers has moved beyond a language campaign and into a legal fight over jobs, permits and state power. Four drivers say the August 12 notification goes beyond the Motor Vehicles Act and violates their rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21.
The state says the policy asks for basic Marathi communication, not fluency, and aims to improve service for passengers. The Bombay High Court will decide whether that aim can support a compulsory requirement tied to badges and permits.
Drivers, passengers and transport companies should follow verified court updates and official Maharashtra Transport Department notices as the case develops.
Reference: