M'luru rural auto rickshaws can ply in city: K'taka HC

Mangaluru: In a big relief to the Mangaluru Rural auto rickshaws drivers, the Karnataka high court has directed the Regional Transport Office (RTO) not to put any restrictions on the movement of Mangaluru Rural auto rickshaws within the city.

Earlier the RTO used to fine Mangaluru rural auto-rickshaws, if they entered the city, Following which a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by Mangaluru Rural Auto rickshaw drivers questioning the action of the RTO.

The PIL filed with regard to the action of slapping fine by the RTO was inquired by the divisional bench led by chief justice A S Oka.

The divisional bench of the high court hearing the case has ordered the RTO of Mangaluru to follow the instructions of the DC without fail and not to levy any fine on the rural auto rickshaw drivers.

It may be recalled that the auto drivers had earlier raised a complaint with this regard to deputy commissioner (DC). The then DC had directed the RTO not to levy fine on the rural auto rickshaw drivers if they entered the city. However, the RTO did not pay heed to the order of the then DC and had continued slapping fine on the rural auto rickshaws if they entered the city.