Move is an effort to rein in overcharging auto drivers
The bench ruled that revision of fares, depending upon the price of fuel, will be reviewed once in three months by the competent authority and the necessary notification issued. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: In an effort to rein in errant auto drivers who overcharge passengers, the Madras high court issued a set of directions to the state government, which includes reviewing the revision of autorickshaw fares, depending on fuel prices, once in three months. Stating that since fuel prices were down now, the court said it would be a good time to revise auto fares.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M. Sathyanarayanan, also instructed the government to ensure that toll free numbers are prominently displayed and action is taken on every complaint within two days.
The bench gave the directives while disposing of a public interest litigation from Coimbatore Consumer Voice, which sought a direction to the state government to fix revised fares for contract carriage autorickshaws in Coimbatore.
The bench ruled that revision of fares, depending upon the price of fuel, will be reviewed once in three months by the competent authority and the necessary notification issued. Operational toll free numbers will be prescribed and given adequate publicity through the media for complaints of overcharging, etc.
Such toll free numbers would be specified for each district. The toll free numbers will be directed to be prominently displayed specifying its purpose in each autorickshaw. It shall be ensured that the conversion table is prominently displayed in the autorickshaws, the bench added.
All complaints made on the toll free numbers or otherwise shall be attended to prominently, not later than two days. A list shall be maintained of drivers/owners found in default and for repeated offences, severe action shall be taken including cancellation of license.
It shall be the responsibility of the regional transport authority and police to ensure compliance. These directions shall be implemented by the authorities throughout the state in the interest of the general public, the bench added.
At present, the minimum fare in Chennai is Rs 25 for 1.8 km and Rs 12 per km thereafter. Additional 50 per cent of the total fare will be charged at night.
( Source : dc )
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