Delhi HC Dismisses Petition Challenging Mandatory Uniforms for Auto Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers

The Delhi High Court, comprising Chief Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad, passed an order on Tuesday dismissing the petition that challenged the requirement of uniforms for auto rickshaw and taxi drivers.

The plea argued that the imposition of uniforms violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.

Previously, the court had sought responses from all respondents, including the Delhi Police, regarding the plea’s claim that heavy fines of up to Rs 20,000 were being imposed on drivers in the national capital for not wearing uniforms.

The petition highlighted a lack of harmony between the NCT and the Transport Department.

The petition was filed by Chalak Shakti, a union representing auto rickshaw and taxi drivers, who contended that uniforms restricted their individuality and self-expression while adding an additional financial burden that compromised their ability to maintain hygiene, posing a health risk to passengers. Additionally, the petition pointed out that major cities such as London, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, and Dubai did not mandate uniforms for taxi drivers.