Supreme Court Orders Inquiry into E-Rickshaw Allotment in Matheran

The Supreme Court has mandated an inquiry into the allotment of e-rickshaws in Matheran, Maharashtra, ensuring they are given to original hand-rickshaw pullers. This follows claims of misallocation to hotel owners. The principal district judge of Raigad is to present a report within four weeks. The matter will be revisited in October.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the principal district judge of Raigad, Maharashtra to appoint a judicial officer to investigate the dispute over the allocation of e-rickshaws to hand-rickshaw pullers in Matheran. The apex court aims to ensure that e-rickshaws are given to the original hand-rickshaw pullers, following concerns they were misallocated to hotel owners.

Earlier, the Court had ruled that e-rickshaws would be supplied exclusively to current hand-rickshaw pullers to compensate for their employment loss. As automobiles are prohibited in Matheran, the Court had limited the number of e-rickshaws to 20 until further notice, while permitting those pullers to transport tourists and residents.

The bench, led by Justice B. R. Gavai and including Justices P. K. Mishra and K. V. Viswanathan, noted that an applicant alleged the e-rickshaws were allocated to hotel owners instead of the original pullers. Consequently, the court ordered an investigation and a report to be submitted within four weeks. The matter will be discussed further in October, with the Court emphasizing the eco-sensitive status of Matheran and a prior directive to halt the laying of paver blocks to preserve its natural beauty.