Mumbai, August 25: The issue of making the Marathi language mandatory for auto and cab drivers has reached the Bombay High Court. On Tuesday, a public interest petition was filed through Advocate Vivek Shukla.
This petition challenges the Maharashtra government’s notification issued on August 12, 2026, which mandates that auto rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers possess a functional knowledge of the Marathi language.
The matter is set to be mentioned for immediate hearing before the acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge on Wednesday. However, Chief Justice Ghuge, who has been recommended for transfer to the Calcutta High Court, recently stated that the bench would not hear any new cases.
Cab drivers argue that this rule violates their fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. They also claim it contradicts the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, which does not stipulate any language requirement for obtaining a driving license.
Drivers have expressed concerns that this rule could lead to the suspension of badges for millions of poor and migrant workers, severely impacting their livelihoods.
The political landscape in Maharashtra has also reacted to the mandatory Marathi language requirement for auto and cab drivers. Several leaders have voiced their opposition. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam met with Maharashtra’s Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and submitted a memorandum.
Nirupam stated, “I personally believe that the Marathi language should be respected in Maharashtra. Everyone living in Maharashtra should converse in Marathi, and everyone should at least have a basic understanding of this language. No one in Maharashtra can say, ‘I will not speak Marathi.’ This is completely unreasonable behavior. Personally, I also believe that anyone residing in Maharashtra or any other state should respect and be able to converse in the local language. There is no question of forcing anyone, but the state’s language and culture should be respected.”
He added that an order was issued by the government on May 1, stating that auto drivers must have knowledge of the Marathi language. Drivers were given three months to learn. Many drivers showed enthusiasm, and a significant number have learned the language. Reports indicate that 85% of drivers have acquired knowledge of Marathi. However, some individuals remain who may have their own challenges. “I am not in favor of strict action against them,” he concluded.
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