Maharashtra: Autorickshaw drivers across state to protest against app-based fines

Autorickshaw unions meeting in Dadar on Friday

Autorickshaw drivers across the state have decided to protest on February 16, seeking relaxation of all fines levied due to the app-based mechanism. The rickshaw drivers claim that the traffic cops click pictures of parked vehicles and fine them, terming this use of the app-based mechanism as ‘hit-and-run law' and calling for its rollback.

"We had a meeting to discuss the Central government's unfair ‘hit-and-run law' and other issues in the transport sector on Friday with the chief office bearers of the Autorickshaw Malak Sanghatna Kriti Samiti Maharashtra and the office bearers of other major transport organisations of Maharashtra at Dadar East. It has been decided to hold a peaceful protest on February 16 on behalf of rickshaws and other transport organisations in all districts/cities of the state for the immediate repeal of the unjust law," Mumbai Automen Union leader Shashank Sharad Rao said.

"It has been decided to carry out a signature campaign of autorickshaw owners in Maharashtra for the complete waiver of the fine imposed on the owners and to immediately stop the old method of charging fines through the mobile app by taking photos," Rao added. He said in many cases, the challans by such app-based machines merely had pictures of the vehicle and number plate with no details of violations. Police officers just clicked pictures of autos while they were parked anywhere and fined them.

Feb 16
Day strike is to be held