Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday issued notice to the Mumbai Auto Rickshawmens' Union here seeking their reply to a public interest litigation filed against the day-long strike for a hike in minimum fares.
The court while posting the petition for hearing tomorrow directed the Maharashtra government and police to provide protection to those rickshaw drivers who were willing to ply their vehicles despite the strike and to also provide alternate arrangements like extra BEST buses and private buses so that commuters do not face inconvenience.
City-based NGO 'Mumbai Grahak Panchayat' had filed a PIL in the High Court challenging the 24-hour strike declared by Sharad Rao-led Union.
"The Union went ahead with the strike despite the one rupee hike in minimum fare, from Rs 11 to Rs 12, announced by the Regional Transport Authority last week. The government has directed for a committee to be formed to address the issues raised by the union," the petition states.
The petition seeks direction to the Union to pay a penalty of Rs 1.25 crore for declaring strike which is arbitrary and illegal.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice N M Jamdar will hear the matter tomorrow.
PTI
First Published: Monday, April 16, 2012, 19:12