Bombay HC seeks response from Maharashtra govt over defective e-rickshaws given to disabled beneficiaries

The Bombay High Court has issued a discover to the Maharashtra authorities over allegations that substandard electrical rickshaws had been distributed to in a different way abled individuals beneath a State-run empowerment scheme, observing that the problem immediately impacts their dignity, security and livelihood. 

A Division Bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh D. Patil had been listening to a petition filed by Sunil Prabhakar Suryavanshi and others, beneficiaries of a 2019 authorities scheme, titled, ‘Provision of Green Energy-Powered Environment-friendly Mobile Shop (Mobile Shop on E-Vehicle) for Disabled Persons to turn out to be Self-Reliant’. The scheme was later amended in September 2023. 

The petitioners, represented by advocate Asim Sarode, alleged that the e-rickshaws provided beneath the scheme had been faulty, low-quality, and unfit to be used. Among the problems cited had been poor battery high quality, each time the e-rickshaw is began, it shows incorrect info on the display; its lack of ability to climb inclines, malfunctioning brakes, low passenger capability, and whereas driving, the car immediately vibrates and pulls to at least one facet, growing the chance of accidents for each the differently-abled drivers and passengers. 

The automobiles had been manufactured by a Haryana-based firm, leading to delayed servicing and unavailability of spare components, the petitioners claimed. 

The petitioners argued that the scheme lacked correct monitoring, grievance redressal and accountability mechanisms, leading to systemic failure and hardship for its meant beneficiaries. 

The petitioners submitted that regardless of submitting complaints, authorized notices and RTI functions, no remedial motion was taken, prompting them to strategy the courtroom. 

Taking observe of the submissions, the Bench noticed, “It seems that because the petitioners having exhausted all attainable treatments together with submitting complaints, authorized notices and submitting RTI functions, have filed the aforesaid petition.”  

The Court additional mentioned, “We discover substance in what has been acknowledged by the discovered counsel for the petitioners and as such difficulty discover to the respondents, returnable on October 15, 2025.” The Court has issued discover to the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra.” 

The Court directed {that a} senior accountable officer from the division, who’s well-versed with the details of the case, be current on the subsequent date of the listening to with applicable directions.