High Court questions growing e-rickshaw chaos in MP:Seeks Centre and state replies within 4 weeks, asks to review permit exemption

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a stern view of the rapidly increasing number of battery-operated e-rickshaws and their impact on traffic management across the state. Hearing a public interest petition filed by Jabalpur residents Dr. P.G. Najpande and Rajat Bhargava on Monday, the court issued notices to the Central and State governments, granting them a final four-week deadline to submit their responses. The petition alleges that a large number of e-rickshaws are operating without permits, leading to severe traffic congestion, disorder, and a rise in road accidents in urban areas. Over 9,000 e-rickshaws operating in Jabalpur The petitioners informed the court that Jabalpur alone has more than 9,000 e-rickshaws plying on its roads. According to the plea, the growing number of these vehicles has significantly disrupted traffic flow. It was further alleged that in several instances, e-rickshaws are being driven by minors and individuals without valid driving licences, increasing the risk of accidents. Petition challenges 2018 permit exemption The petition points to a 2018 notification issued by the Central Government, which exempted e-rickshaws and battery-operated vehicles from obtaining permits under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The petitioners argued that this exemption is being widely misused, allowing a large number of vehicles to operate without adequate regulatory oversight. Demand to reconsider the exemption Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Dinesh Upadhyay argued before the High Court that the exemption has resulted in an overwhelming increase in the number of e-rickshaws on city roads, adversely affecting traffic management. He urged the Centre to review the exemption and introduce necessary amendments to regulate the sector more effectively. Centre seeks time to respond During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General, representing the Central Government, sought additional time to file a response. The High Court granted four weeks for the submission. The court also directed the Central Government to explain why the exemption granted to e-rickshaws and battery-operated vehicles should not be reconsidered or withdrawn. Treating the matter as serious, the bench sought a clear and detailed response from the government.