Formulate policy to compensate e-rickshaw accident victims: HC to AAP

New Delhi, July 14: Delhi High court today asked the AAP government to come out with a policy for compensating the victims of the accidents caused by e-rickshaws on city roads.

Justice J R Midha further said the Delhi government should also create a fund for payment of ex-gratia compensation to the victims of e-rickshaws till the enactment of a legislation by the Centre.

"You (Delhi government) complete the deliberation on formulation of a policy.It should not be that on the next date of hearing you tell me that you need more time," it said.

The court's oral direction to the government came during the hearing of a contempt plea by Shahnawaz Khan, through advocate Sugriva Dubey, who alleged that most e-rickshaws in the city were operating in violation of law and rules and authorities were not taking any action against them.

The petitioner submitted that currently there was no third-party insurance of e-rickshaws and hence the victims of accidents involving them would not get any compensation from insurance companies, like in case of motor vehicles.

Additional Standing Counsel Anuj Aggarwal, appearing for Delhi government, told the court that they have constituted a committee to formulate the scheme.

"Several points were discussed at a meeting held on June 3 and they will come out with the scheme," he said.

The court then said that by the next date of hearing on August 22, the government should place its decision. Khan, in his contempt plea, has alleged that e-rickshaws were operating in the capital in violation of the court's September 9, 2014 order holding their operation as illegal as per the existing laws.

PTI