MAHARASHTRA: The Maharashtra transport department has directed that all licensed autorickshaw and taxi drivers in the state must demonstrate proficiency in Marathi, with a statewide verification drive scheduled to begin from May 1. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has stated that drivers failing to meet the requirement risk cancellation of their licences.
The move, described by the government as enforcement of long-standing licensing norms rather than a new policy, comes amid passenger complaints about communication gaps. Officials plan to conduct checks across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices.
Minister’s Justification and Government Stance
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has emphasised that knowledge of the local language has always been part of the licensing framework for autorickshaw and taxi drivers. He cited repeated complaints from passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur, where drivers were reportedly unable to communicate in Marathi or chose not to do so.
“It is the duty of every person to learn the language of the region in which they live for their livelihood,” Sarnaik said, adding that while individuals should take pride in their mother tongue, they must also respect the language of the state where they work. He warned transport officials against bypassing the rules, stating that strict action would be taken against those issuing licences improperly.
The requirement centres on drivers being able to read and write Marathi.
Strong Opposition from Driver Unions
Driver unions have reacted sharply, arguing that the directive threatens the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who already hold valid permits and badges issued after meeting earlier “working knowledge” criteria. Many fear arbitrary enforcement, potential corruption during verification, and financial hardship, particularly for those with vehicle loans.
Speaking to TOI, a union leader strongly opposed the move, saying it could lead to demands for bribes to give non-Marathi drivers a clean chit during verification. He clarified that the relevant provision under the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules refers only to a “working knowledge” of Marathi, not a formal test in reading, writing or fluency. “If any action is taken and badges/licences are cancelled, we will challenge it in court,” he said.
DA Salian from the Mumbai Taxi Association told TOI, “People have been driving taxis for many years and it will be improper to randomly cancel badges/licences on language issues. The minister cannot implement such a rule or campaign across the state for all drivers who are already in the profession and earning a livelihood; families depend on them.”
Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union leader Thampy Kurien noted that applicants already submit domicile documents, police verification and other records, and that “working knowledge means basic Marathi needed for the job,” along with route and geography knowledge. He described the current push as stretching the law beyond its intent.
Union leaders have warned that they will challenge any licence cancellations in court. One union representative told reporters that the relevant provision refers only to a “working knowledge” of Marathi, “not a formal test in reading, writing or fluency,” and expressed concern that the drive could lead to demands for bribes.
Political Row Intensifies
The announcement has triggered criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned both the substance and the timing of the directive. Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal acknowledged the importance of respecting Marathi but called licence cancellation “an extreme measure” that risks deepening social divisions for political gain.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande termed the move a “sudden awakening” by the government and said his party would mobilise to ensure meaningful implementation rather than symbolism.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey accused the ruling dispensation of adopting a position long championed by his party, noting that Shiv Sena (UBT) has already been running Marathi classes for non-local residents and drivers. (India Today)
Potential Legal Hurdle from 2017 Bombay High Court Ruling
Legal experts and unions have pointed to a 2017 Bombay High Court verdict that could complicate enforcement. In that case, a division bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka (later a Supreme Court judge) struck down a similar Marathi-knowledge condition for autorickshaw permits, ruling that the state lacked statutory power to impose it.
The court observed that autorickshaws fall under the definition of “motor cabs” under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and are exempt from Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which applies to public service vehicles (excluding motor cabs) and includes a “working knowledge” of Marathi. The bench held that the government could not lawfully add such a qualification for contract carriage permits without explicit statutory backing, even on grounds of public interest.
Transport department officials have maintained that the current exercise enforces existing badge-related requirements under Rule 24 and does not introduce a new regime. However, drivers’ unions contend that the move could violate fundamental rights, including the freedom to practise a profession, and have indicated they are prepared to approach the court again.
The directive coincides with Maharashtra Day on May 1 and has reignited debates over regional identity, migrant inclusion and language policy in a diverse, cosmopolitan state. While supporters view it as essential for better passenger communication and respect for Marathi, critics argue that punitive measures like licence cancellation could disproportionately affect self-employed drivers without adequate support such as language training.
As the May 1 deadline approaches, the coming weeks are expected to test both the government’s resolve in implementation and the legal sustainability of the measure in light of past judicial precedent. Unions and opposition parties have signalled continued resistance, while the transport department has indicated it will proceed with verification drives.
About the Author
