All app-based taxi firms were banned in Delhi recently, after a passenger was allegedly raped by a driver contracted to US-based online cab company, Uber.
Following this ban, OlaCabs on Tuesday challenged the ban imposed by the Delhi government, before the high court. The firm complained that the ban by the government is illegal, arbitrary and against principles of natural justice because it was never given an opportunity to give its stand. Questioning the move by the department, the company had argued it fulfilled all criteria required for eligibility.
However, the Transport Department recently has come up with a proposal for taxi operators to follow guidelines which included installation of GPS, Full driver database etc but they were frivolous. The department had, however, allowed six radio taxi operators – Meru, Mega, Chanson, Yo, Air and Easy – to run taxi services in Delhi as they are currently complying with the laws.
“Since the petitioner has not been afforded any opportunity of being heard, I deem it appropriate to set aside the impugned order and direct that the petition be considered as a representation by the appropriate authority,” Justice Vibhu Bakru said.
The opposing counsel Zubeda Begum defended the move, arguing that the company failed to take any responsibility for its drivers and was therefore included in the ban imposed by the government.
OlaCabs, which have over 20 lakh users across the country, contended that unlike radio taxis they do not own the cabs which are provided to public. It submitted that the company was “only providing a technology infrastructure for availing the taxi service.”
Given these events and all the chaos OlaCabs can be seen plying on roads without considering repercussions of the same.
