The

Gujarat high court

issued a notice to the secretary of the state's port and transport department in response to a petition filed by different associations of

autorickshaw drivers

. They objected to the state govt's decision to impose fines for plying autos without flag meters.

The state transport department issued a notification in 2019 regarding the installation of flag meters in commercial vehicles. Police inspector issued an office order on Dec 13 to strictly enforce this rule from Jan 1, 2025. Immediately, the Jagrut Autorickshaw Drivers' Union and Navyug Auto Drivers' Welfare Association from Ahmedabad, and Vadodara City and District Rickshaw Drivers' Union filed the petition. They contended that all vehicles with commercial permits, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, taxis, maxi cabs, buses and heavy vehicles are mandated to have separate meters.

The petitioner associations argued that all vehicles should be compelled to install flag meters and charge passengers accordingly in the public interest. However, the state authorities introduced the rule only for autorickshaws. They alleged discrimination and demanded that the rule be uniformly implemented for all vehicles with commercial permits.

Justice Niral Mehta asked the petitioner body to make the secretary of the port and transport department in govt a party respondent in the litigation and issued a notice seeking a reply by June 25.