Admonishing app-based cab service Ola for not complying with the ban imposed on it by the State government, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to grant it any interim relief and directed “strict” enforcement of the order, which has been “violated with impunity”.
Justice Manmohan directed Delhi government and traffic police to “strictly enforce” their order of January 1, 2015, by which the operation of app-based cab services was banned till they complied with the guidelines of Radio Taxi Scheme of 2006.
The court passed the interim order while issuing notices to the Centre, traffic police and Delhi government seeking their response to Ola’s plea for lifting of the ban.
The court said the matter has to be heard extensively and listed the matter for further hearing on October 5.
“The court is of the prima facie view that the petitioner thinks its vehicles don’t ply on the road, but fly in the air. This court is of the view that a ban has to be complied with till it is stayed or set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction,” Justice Manmohan said.
The judge refused to lift the ban also on the ground that “since Delhi is regarded as one of the most polluted cities of the world and quality of diesel supplied has been adversely commented upon by the Supreme Court at various times, this court feels that it should err on the side of caution and not lift the ban till it is convinced there is no ban on plying of All India Tourist Permit (AITP) taxis in the National Capital”.