HC stays two of four conditions to issue permits for e-autos to ply within Mangaluru city

Stating that the High Court of Karnataka has stayed two of the four conditions imposed by the Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority regrading permits to operate electric autorickshaws in Mangaluru, Youth Electrical Auto Chalakara Sangha, Mangaluru, on Saturday, urged the RTA to extend the March 31 deadline to apply for permits.

Stating that the High Court of Karnataka has stayed two of the four conditions imposed by the Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority regrading permits to operate electric autorickshaws in Mangaluru, Youth Electrical Auto Chalakara Sangha, Mangaluru, on Saturday, urged the RTA to extend the March 31 deadline to apply for permits.

Sangha Honourary President Lawrence D’Souza told reporters here that drivers and owners had urged the Deputy Commissioner in a recent meeting to relax two of the four conditions imposed on December 6 and extend the date for applying for permits. About 800 drivers/ owners are yet to apply for permits and one more month time should be given, he demanded.

The Sangha had also approached High Court of Karnataka challenging Conditions No. 1 and 4 prescribed by the December 6 order.

The four conditions to issue permits for e-autos to operate within Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits were, the applicant should have been residing within the Corporation limits for the last five years; no permit for e-autos to persons already holding permit/s for regular autorickshaws; only one e-auto permit per person and the applicant should should drive the e-auto holding a driver’s badge.

The Sangha had challenged Conditions 1 and 4 as arbitrary and violative of fundamental right to life, its legal adviser Manoraj Rajeeva said. The five year domicile condition deprives residents of neighbouring villages/ areas of their right to undertake an avocation for sustenance.

Also, the vehicle could be in any one family member’s name, father, mother, brother or sister, depending upon their financial status, affordability, credit-rating etc. Making it mandatory for the registered owner to drive the vehicle without an option for availing an alternative driver was arbitrary.