ARNAB ROY Vs. JOINT TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Somik Deb, learned amicus curiae appearing for the petitioner-in-person and learned Government Advocate Mr. Debalay Bhattacharjee for the respondent-State as well as learned counsel Mr. Arijit Bhowmik appearing for the Agartala Municipal Corporation.

(2.) The safety and security of pedal rickshaws which are powered by battery is the main issue of contention, especially since unregulated/unregistered plying of rickshaws in Agartala in particular and Tripura in general, has led to severe accidents and safety and security of both the passengers as well as the rickshaw pullers are at stake.

(3.) Admittedly, the requirement for registration of rickshaws falls under the Tripura Rickshaw Regulation Act, 2014 and is also governed by the Tripura Rickshaws Regulation Rules, 2019. Specifically, Regulations 16 and 32 which are relevant for our purpose are noted as under: