Bombay High Court Dismisses Cab Driver Language Plea After Government Extension

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging the requirement for cab drivers to learn Marathi, following an assurance from the Maharashtra government that it would grant drivers additional time to meet the language proficiency standard.

Additional Government Pleader Jyoti Chavan informed a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad that the state administration has decided to extend the deadline by 12 months, allowing auto rickshaw and taxi drivers a lengthened period to acquire the necessary language skills.

The court accepted the government's undertaking and consequently disposed of the petition without recording any substantive orders on the merits of the case. The extension comes as the state continues its push to promote Marathi among transport workers in Mumbai and across Maharashtra.

The original mandate required cab drivers operating in the state to demonstrate competency in Marathi. The additional time granted is intended to enable drivers, many of whom speak multiple regional and national languages, to meet the statutory requirement without facing immediate penalties or suspension of their licenses.