PIL seeks plying of battery-run e-rickshaws during COVID-19 lockdown

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 9

A scientist from West Bengal has filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to consider allowing battery-run e-rickshaws during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The petitioner, Kanishk Sinha, who also wanted a direction to the West Bengal government in this regard, alleged that there was inaction on the part of authorities.

“As the lockdown has been increased for some more days, it will be a matter of life and death for them and their family,” he said, adding “the poor e-rickshaw drivers are approaching us for help with their hurdles of daily life, having no means of earning for so long.”

He said he had chalked out a novel way to utilise them in emergency services across India by adhering to social-distancing norms.

In his email, he said he intended e-rickshaws to connect the market and consumers who could place orders online.

Terming the alleged inaction of authorities as against the principles of natural justice, he said he had made a representation to the Centre and the West Bengal government via email.