TAXI OPERATORS UNION Vs. STATE OF J&K

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THESE two petitions call in question some orders passed by the respondent -State, whereby fresh route permits have been allowed to be issued for plying taxies at regional level and introducing Tata Sumo Vehicle as taxi cabs. Besides this, three months time was given to the owners of old vehicles, plied as taxies, for replacement of the same.

(2.) BRIEF FACTS: Respondents -State, with a view to streamline the system of transport in Jammu city, which is highly congested, and pollution ridden, convened a meeting of the First Advisory Committee on 26.2.1996. Subsequently Traffic Advisory Committee met on 12.3.1997 under the chairmanship of Minister for Food, Supplies and Transport Department in which transporters from both the division of Jammu and Kashmir participated. An idea of introduction of Tata Sumo instead of old taxi cab was floated in this meeting. A suggestion by taxi drivers was made that the existing petrol engine of their taxies should also be converted into diesel engine. Replacement by Ceilo and Tata Sumo for the existing taxies was welcomed. Again on 13.3.1997 the committee met and besides the participants who attended the earlier meeting, following officers of the Government also participated: - 1 - Secretary to Government Food Supplies and Transport Department 2 - Transport Commissioner;

(3.) - Director State Motor Garages, Srinagar;