Delhi High Court Issues Notice On PIL Seeking Strict Enforcement Of E-Rickshaw Regulations Following Child's Death

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking strict enforcement of laws and regulations governing e-rickshaws in the national capital.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia sought response of the Delhi Government, its Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The matter will now be heard on March 18.

The PIL has been filed by one Manish Parashar, whose eight-year-old daughter lost her life in August last year after an allegedly unregistered, uninsured and structurally unfit e-rickshaw overturned due to reckless driving in city's Jafrabad area.

The petition highlights that e-rickshaws are operating with reckless abandon across Delhi in blatant contravention of established regulations.

It adds that such vehicles pose grave, life- threatening risks to commuters, pedestrians, and families, culminating in a staggering number of accidents and heart-wrenching fatalities.

The petition states that the “intolerable situation” ruthlessly tramples upon the inviolable Right to Life enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, demanding immediate and forceful judicial intervention.

“….although the Central Government, through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and various notifications issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, has framed comprehensive guidelines regulating the manufacture, registration, and operation of e rickshaws and e-carts—mandating registration, fitness certification, valid driving licenses, insurance coverage, and adherence to prescribed safety standards but these norms remain largely unimplemented on the ground,” the plea states.

It adds that unregistered and unregulated e rickshaws continue to ply in large numbers without conformity to statutory safety and technical standards, resulting in frequent accidents, traffic obstruction, and grave risk to commuters and pedestrians.

The plea has been filed through Advocates Gaurav Arya and Naveen Bamel.

Title: MANISH PARASHAR v. GOVERNMENT OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS