Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Marathi Notices Issued to Maharashtra Auto, Taxi Drivers
Maharashtra officials have asked many taxi and auto drivers to show that they know Marathi.
The notices were given because officials said the drivers did not know enough of the language.
More than 1,200 drivers received notices on August 20.
More than 1,400 others reportedly received them on August 21.
Drivers have time to meet the language requirement.
If they do not, their licences could first be suspended and later cancelled.
Sonam Kapoor saw a post about the notices and replied, “Huh.”
The notices were issued by transport offices in Maharashtra, including during an inspection in Mumbai.
Regional Transport Offices reportedly issued notices to 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers on August 20 over inadequate Marathi knowledge.
Another 1,499 non-Marathi-speaking drivers across Maharashtra reportedly received notices the following day.
Drivers have reportedly been given up to four months to comply with the Marathi language requirement.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said drivers may first receive a 30-day notice, followed by a three-month licence suspension and possible permanent cancellation.
Actress Sonam Kapoor reacted to journalist Faye D'Souza’s post about the inspections by commenting, “Huh.”
- Who
- Maharashtra Regional Transport Offices issued notices to commercial passenger vehicle drivers; Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik discussed the consequences, and Sonam Kapoor reacted publicly.
- What
- Notices were issued over drivers’ reportedly inadequate knowledge of Marathi.
- When
- Notices were reportedly issued on August 20 and August 21; drivers were given up to four months to comply.
- Where
- The inspections involved Mumbai, and notices were reportedly issued across Maharashtra.
- Why
- The notices were issued to enforce a Marathi language knowledge requirement for commercial passenger vehicle drivers.
- Drivers notified on August 20
- 1,268 commercial passenger vehicle drivers
- Drivers notified on August 21
- 1,499 non-Marathi-speaking drivers
- Affected workers
- Mainly autorickshaw and taxi drivers
- Compliance period
- Up to four months, according to reports
- Initial enforcement
- A 30-day notice may be issued to drivers who cannot demonstrate the required Marathi knowledge
- Potential penalty
- A three-month driving-licence suspension, followed by possible permanent cancellation for continued non-compliance
- Public reaction
- Sonam Kapoor commented “Huh” on a post by journalist Faye D'Souza