Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Marathi Mandate Sparks Driver Protests and Legal Challenge
Maharashtra wants taxi, auto-rickshaw and app-based cab drivers to know enough Marathi to speak with passengers.
The government says drivers do not need to become Marathi language experts.
Many drivers became worried after hearing rumours about very large fines.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said no driver had been fined even Rs 500.
He accused some leaders of using the issue to create Hindi-Marathi conflict before elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
A drivers’ union asked for three more months to complete training.
The government said training centres would reopen and a phone number would provide information.
Some drivers protested, and one Marathi-speaking driver was allegedly attacked during the tensions.
Four cab drivers also went to court, saying the rule could harm their rights and livelihoods.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik accused some leaders of inflaming Hindi-Marathi tensions in Mumbai and Thane ahead of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar elections.
Sarnaik said no taxi or auto-rickshaw driver had been fined even Rs 500, despite rumours of penalties of Rs 20,000-25,000.
The government says drivers need practical Marathi to communicate with passengers, not expert language skills.
A drivers’ union sought a three-month extension, while training centres and a dedicated phone number are being revived in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Four cab drivers petitioned the Bombay High Court, arguing that the Marathi requirement violates fundamental rights and conflicts with the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Who
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers, union leader Shashank Rao, and political leaders including Akhilesh Yadav, Sanjay Nirupam and Abu Azmi.
- What
- Maharashtra’s mandatory working-Marathi requirement for auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers has led to protests, rumours about fines, demands for more training time and a legal challenge.
- When
- The reports concern events on August 25, following protests and an alleged assault on August 24; the training campaign was announced in May 2026 and set an August 15 deadline.
- Where
- Mumbai, Thane and other parts of Maharashtra, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
- Why
- The government says Marathi is needed for drivers to communicate with passengers, while critics and petitioners say the requirement may threaten livelihoods and constitutional rights; Sarnaik alleges some leaders are exploiting the issue before elections.
Government’s position
Drivers’ and critics’ concerns
Purpose of the language rule
Government’s position
The Maharashtra government says drivers need only practical Marathi to communicate with passengers and perform their work, not expert language skills.
Drivers’ and critics’ concerns
Akhilesh Yadav and the court petitioners argue that mandatory Marathi could undermine the right to work and conduct business, while petitioners say it threatens the livelihoods of poor and migrant drivers.
Enforcement and penalties
Government’s position
Sarnaik said no driver had been fined even Rs 500 and warned officials against taking action before the one-month notice period. The government says suspension and possible cancellation follow additional learning periods.
Drivers’ and critics’ concerns
Drivers reportedly feared fines of Rs 20,000-25,000, and protests occurred after rumours spread. Petitioners argue that the rule violates constitutional rights and is not authorised by the Motor Vehicles Act.
Political interpretation
Government’s position
Sarnaik alleged that leaders linked to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were deliberately creating a Hindi-Marathi controversy in Mumbai and Thane ahead of elections, including through videos depicting auto-rickshaws on trains.
Drivers’ and critics’ concerns
The reports identify the minister’s allegations but do not state that the named leaders accepted them. Political and local tensions nevertheless followed protests, including an alleged attack on a Marathi-speaking driver.
- Training campaign
- A 105-day Marathi campaign was launched with the Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh.
- Drivers trained
- The government said 1,65,800 drivers learned Marathi and received certificates.
- Driver population
- The drivers’ union estimated 5.5 lakh taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 15 lakh across Maharashtra.
- Training extension
- Shashank Rao requested three additional months; one report said the government had agreed, while another described the request as pending.
- Fines disputed
- Sarnaik said no driver had been fined even Rs 500, despite rumours of Rs 20,000-25,000 penalties.
- Enforcement timeline
- Drivers lacking working Marathi receive a one-month notice; their licence and badge may then be suspended, followed by three more months before possible cancellation.
- Court challenge
- Four cab drivers filed a Bombay High Court petition seeking to stop implementation of the requirement.
