Apprise us about Gramin Sewa autos in capital: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court today directed the city government to apprise it about the status of Gramin Sewa autos plying in the national capital.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw directed the city government to submit a record of the number of vehicles plying under this scheme and the number of penalties the transport department has imposed against the vehicles violating rules.
The high court was hearing a PIL, filed by advocates Vijay Dahiya and Ankur Kumar Mishra, seeking directions to Delhi government to use appropriate measures ensuring Gramin Sewa autos follow all rules and regulations.

Terming these autos as "death machines," the plea claims that these vehicles, which ply under Gramin Sewa scheme, carry 15 people while the actual capacity, including that of the driver, is just seven.
"A minor fault in the engine or CNG cylinder due to overload and poor maintenance can cause the vehicle to overturn or catch fire.
"The sight of such autos overloaded with so many passengers is very similar to those small cages in which many chickens are stuffed together," the plea said.

"The Delhi government is the governing authority in the matter of Gramin Sewa autos and is supposed to ensure the smooth running of the scheme by regular inspection of these autos", it said.

The plea said that in order to make the transport department aware of the violations, a complaint regarding flouting of rules by Gramin Sewa permit-holders and drivers was also made to the Commissioner of the department but in vain.
"Underage persons are being employed as drivers and helpers in these autos, footboard travelling, total absence of safety measures like fire extinguisher and first-aid box, drivers not wearing uniform and badges etc are very common and rampant problems," the plea said.