A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Bombay High Court, requesting the state to implement the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 and ensure the safety of passengers using transport aggregator services.

The guidelines provide a framework for State Governments to regulate transport aggregators and consider the issuance of licenses for their operations.

As defined by the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, an 'aggregator' is a “digital intermediary or market place for a passenger to connect with a driver for the purpose of transportation.” Thus, transport aggregators connect passengers with drivers for rides.

Prominent transport aggregators in India, including companies like Ola and Uber, are at the center of the PIL, which highlights concerns regarding the safety and security of passengers relying on these cab services.

The petitioner contends that the State has failed to implement the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020, formulated under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Despite the Central Government framing these guidelines, the petitioner emphasizes that passenger safety in such vehicles remains a significant concern within the State.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Amit Borkar issued notices today to the respondent authorities, including the State and Union of India. The Court observed that in a similar PIL, a coordinate bench had, on March 7, 2022, directed the State to finalize the draft rules under Section 96 of the Motor Vehicles Act and issue licenses in accordance with Section 93(1). 

In light of this previous order, the Court has directed the State to file an affidavit detailing the measures taken to comply with the directions issued on March 7, 2022.