PIL Challenges Maharashtra’s Marathi Language Requirement For Cab Drivers And Permit Holders
Mumbai, August 28, 2026: A public interest litigation has been filed before the Bombay High Court challenging the Maharashtra government’s decision to make “working knowledge of Marathi language” a condition for drivers and permit holders of motor cabs. The government introduced the requirement through a notification dated August 12. Marathi Language Requirement The PIL, filed by advocate…
A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court challenging Maharashtra's decision to make "working knowledge of Marathi language" a requirement for cab drivers and permit holders. Filed by advocate Ghanshyam Upadhyay, the PIL questions the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, which were introduced on August 12.
The petition argues that the requirement is undefined, lacks an objective proficiency standard, uniform test, or syllabus, and could adversely affect the livelihood of economically vulnerable drivers. The petitioner also points out that the challenge is not against Marathi or its promotion, but the conversion of linguistic promotion into an occupational disability.
The court has been asked to quash the amendments or read them down to prescribe only a minimal, objective communication standard with multilingual alternatives and without suspension or cancellation solely for language deficiency.
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