Auto, taxi shortage in Mumbai as drivers face out-of-syllabus Marathi questions

A fresh controversy over Maharashtra’s Marathi language requirement for auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers has now reached the Bombay High Court. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed challenging the state government’s decision to make spoken Marathi proficiency mandatory for drivers.

The petition was filed by four social organisations along with several auto-rickshaw drivers, who have urged the court to examine the government’s language-related restrictions and proposed action against drivers. The plea argues that citizens have the right to travel to different parts of the country and earn a livelihood, and that language requirements should not become a barrier to employment.

The petition has also reportedly referred to an earlier 2017 High Court order concerning the relationship between language requirements and a person’s right to earn a living. The matter is expected to come up for hearing before the Bombay High Court. The controversy has intensified after stricter enforcement measures were reported from August 20.