S.V.Ramamurthy v. The Secretary,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 19.09.2023
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.SANJAY V.GANGAPURWALA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE P.D.AUDIKESAVALU S.V.Ramamurthy : Petitioner versus 1.The Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Home Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600009 2.The Director General of Police, Mylapore, Chennai 60004 3.The Commissioner of Police, Egmore, Chennai 60007 4.The Commissioner, Transport Department, Chepauk, Chennai 600005 5.Tamil Nadu Auto Taxi Electronic Digital Fare Meter Mechanic Association, No.43, Gandhi Nagar, New Avadi Road, Chennai 38 : Respondents
Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus after taking into consideration of the various factors and fix revised rates of auto meters as per orders passed by the First Bench of this Court in WP No.5142 of 2022 dated 06.04.2022.
For the Petitioner :
Mr.S.V.Ramamurthy Petitioner-in-person For Respondents 1 to 4 :
Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, Additional Government Pleader Mr.P.Ravishankar, for the proposed party
ORDER
(Made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) We have heard Mr.S.V.Ramamurthy, petitioner-in-person and Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, learned Additional Government Pleader for respondents 1 to 4.
2. The petitioner seeks directions against the official respondents to fix revised rates of auto meters, taking into consideration various factors, as has been directed under order in WP No.5142 of 2022 dated 06.04.2022.
3. Status report has been filed by the respondent authority. It is stated that pursuant to the directions in WP No.5142 of 2022, dated 06.04.2022, the Transport Commissioner has constituted a "Auto Fare Revision Committee" for revision of auto rickshaw fares by taking into account the present prevailing fuel prices and other factors in the State and also obtaining information from neighbouring States. The Committee under the chairmanship of the Joint Transport Commissioner (Enforcement) Chennai, has conducted two levels of meetings. The suggestions and representations submitted by various trade union associations of the auto owners and drivers and the consumer forums were discussed and analysed by the members of the committee. The committee has submitted its report. Based on the recommendations of the committee, the Transport Commissioner has sent necessary proposal for revision of auto rickshaw fares in Chennai Metropolitan area and in all districts of Tamil Nadu. The above proposal is at the advanced stage of consideration of the Government.
4. The learned Additional Government Pleader, on instructions, submits that the Government would take a final decision within
twelve weeks from today.
5. The statement made by the learned Additional Government Pleader is accepted. In view of the said statement, the writ petition is disposed of. There will be no order as to costs. Consequently, WMP No.10096 of 2023 is closed.
6. If, after the final decision, any party is aggrieved, the same may be agitated in accordance with law.
(S.V.G., CJ.) (P.D.A., J.) 19.09.2023 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No tar
To 1.The Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Home Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 600009 2.The Director General of Police, Mylapore, Chennai 60004 3.The Commissioner of Police, Egmore, Chennai 60007 4.The Commissioner, Transport Department, Chepauk, Chennai 600005
THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND P.D.AUDIKESAVALU, J.
(tar) 19.09.2023