The Karnataka High Court on Friday asked the State Government not to register any new autorickshaws and sought a feasibility report on its move to issue 40,000 new auto permits in the city.
Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh passed the interim order on the petitions filed by Mohammed Abbas and three other autorickshaw drivers questioning the March 23 notification which said 40,000 permits would be issued for new LPG-run, four-stroke engine autorickshaws.
The High Court sought a feasibility report based on the condition of roads to accommodate a 1.25 lakh autorickshaws.
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The petitioners' advocate C.V. Kumar argued that the city's roads won't be able to cope with such an influx of autorickshaws what with the metro construction reducing their capacity.
Moreover, once the metro is operation, the need of more autorickshaws would not arise.
Meanwhile, Bangalore Autorickshaw Dealers and Drivers' Association and the Great Karnataka Autorickshaw and Taxi Association have filed impleading applications supporting fresh permits.
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While ordering issue of notice to the Transport Department, the High Court adjourned further hearing on the petitions till April 20.