Bikes not for commercial purpose: Delhi Gov.

February 20, 2023 Hot from the Oven Valli Sarvani No comments

Delhiites beware, as the Delhi government cautioned against the usage of motorbikes for commercial purposes.

The transport department warned that bike taxis are a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. The violators will be held responsible for it. They are liable to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.

Two-wheelers are not meant for commercial purposes. Their usage for such purposes is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Violators will have to pay a fine of ₹5,000 for the first time and ₹10,000 for the second time.

In addition, they will be liable for imprisonment of up to a year. Besides, it can lead them to lose their driving licence for three months, if they are caught violating the rules.

The transport department issued a public notice in this regard cautioning the drivers of bike taxis plying on Delhi roads.

It said that many such instances where bikes were used for commercial purposes came to its notice. Many app-based companies are encouraging motorbike owners to use them for commercial purposes.

Though they portray themselves as aggregators, it is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and a punishable offence. These aggregators will be liable to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.

Earlier, the apex court also refused to grant relief to Rapido, a bike taxi aggregator, while hearing a plea. Rapido challenged the decision of the Maharashtra government to ban them from plying on roads. Also, the state government denied granting a licence to Rapido.

Rapido filed a plea in the Supreme Court. But, it rejected granting relief to the bike taxi aggregator.

A bench of three judges, along with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, said that Rapido must comply with the Motor Vehicles Act of 2019. The Act clearly states that aggregators must have a valid licence. They should not ply on roads without a valid licence.

As Pune’s Regional Transport Office rejected its plea for giving a licence, the apex court suggested approaching the Bombay High Court.

Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz from Pexels (Free for commercial use)