SC issues notices for removal of lifting of ban on rickshaws

New Delhi, July 11 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notices to the centre, Delhi government, Delhi police and MCD on a petition seeking removal of lifting of ban on the plying of rickshaws in historic Chandni Chowk area of walled city in Delhi.

The petitioner NGO ''initiative for transport and development programmes'' has come in appeal against Delhi High Court judgement dated May 17, 2007 following which rickshaws were banned in Chandni Chowk with effect from June 1.

Counsel for the petitioner prayed to the bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Mr Justice R V Raveendran to stay the operation of the impugned High Court order till the final disposal of the present petition.

The court also issued notices on application for interim relief.

The petitioner has contended that rickshaws form part of non-motorised mode of transport and is pollution-free.

The petitioner also contended that the ban besides leading to large-scale unemployment in the area which is commercial in nature, is also violative of New Master Plan, Delhi 2021 which speaks of developing non-motorised modes of transport in the city to reduce pollution levels.

The petitioner also alleged that the ban has caused great inconvenience to the residents as well as the shopkeepers in the area.

Plying of rickshaws in Chandni Chowk is banned from 8 am in the morning till 8 at night.

UNI