Marathi language crackdown: Uber drivers seek Bombay HC help against ‘illegal’ rule

Amid a crackdown on non-Marathi-speaking auto and taxi drivers in Maharashtra, four Uber drivers from Mumbai filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday. They challenged the state government's notification that requires working knowledge of Marathi for obtaining authorizations. The petitioners argued that the notification violated their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution and contradicted the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.

They claimed the Motor Vehicles Act does not mandate language requirements for a badge or permit, and cannot suspend or revoke a badge based on language proficiency. The notification allegedly created a new disqualification not enacted by Parliament. The petitioners sought the court's direction to quash the illegal and unconstitutional notification and stay its implementation.

The notification mandated working knowledge of Marathi for obtaining several authorizations and required verification of domicile certificates and police inquiries into drivers' residence in Maharashtra for 15 years. The plea claimed the impugned notification would deprive thousands of drivers of their livelihood and affect nearly 9.6 lakh permit and badge holders.

Despite 1.65 lakh non-Marathi-speaking drivers attending a training program, many remain at risk of notices, suspension, or badge cancellation. The petition highlighted the immediate, continuing, and irreversible harm inflicted on the poorest section of society.