SUMATI BHARAT GHULE Vs. REGIONAL TRANSPORT PUNE REGION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APART from this petition there are several other pending petitions on the same issue. Parties who would be directly affected by the outcome were allowed to intervene and address the Court. Rule. Respondents waive service.

(2.) LEARNED Counsel for the petitioner hands over draft amendment. Amendment allowed in terms of the in the course of the proceedings. With the consent of the parties heard forthwith.

(3.) THE petitioners to the petition, are owners of what are known as six seater auto rickshaws, who were earlier allowed to ply within the entire limits of Pune Municipal Corporation. They are all holders of individual contract carriage permits, issued by respondent No. 1. The respondent No. 1 at its meeting dated 7th November, 1994 approved six seater auto rickshaw with diesel engines as a public service vehicle and decided to issue permits for six seater auto rickshaw in Pune Region. This decision was opposed by the rickshaw panchayat, Pune, a Union representing three seater auto rickshaw owners. On 10th November, 1994 the said rickshaw Panchayat held demonstrations demanding that permits should not be issued for six seater auto rickshaws. The then Chief Minister intervened and suggested to the respondent No. 1, to conduct a detailed study in the matter of issuing permits to six seater auto rickshaw. Pursuant to that a Committee was constituted which gave its report and findings on 18th April, 1995. The Committee which was constituted on 17th November, 1994 by the Regional Commissioner were directed to examine the following issues:---