Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Amit Thackeray Warns Drivers Over Hindi and Marathi Mandate
Maharashtra wants commercial passenger-vehicle drivers to know practical Marathi.
The government gave drivers one year to learn it after their representatives asked for more time.
MNS leader Amit Thackeray said drivers should not be rude to passengers.
He also said drivers should not insist that passengers speak Hindi.
Thackeray warned that his party might physically retaliate against drivers accused of these actions.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the extra time was requested because drivers have different ages and educational backgrounds.
Thackeray accused the government of putting Uttar Pradesh election concerns ahead of Marathi.
Four cab drivers have taken the language rule to the Bombay High Court.
They argue that the rule violates constitutional rights and is not authorised by the Motor Vehicles Act.
MNS leader Amit Thackeray warned auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers against rude treatment of passengers or insisting on Hindi.
Thackeray said the MNS would take action, including physical retaliation, against drivers reported for such behaviour.
The Maharashtra government gave auto-rickshaw, taxi, cab and app-based cab drivers one year to learn functional Marathi.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said driver representatives requested more time because workers vary in age and educational background.
Four cab drivers challenged the Marathi requirement in the Bombay High Court, arguing it violates constitutional rights and exceeds the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Who
- MNS leader Amit Thackeray, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, driver representatives and four cab drivers challenging the rule.
- What
- Thackeray warned drivers over Hindi use and rude passenger treatment as a Marathi-language requirement faces a legal challenge.
- When
- August 27, 2026; the Marathi requirement was introduced from August 12.
- Where
- Nagpur and Maharashtra, India; the legal challenge is before the Bombay High Court.
- Why
- The government extended the learning period after driver representatives sought more time, while Thackeray alleged the decision was linked to upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.
MNS and Marathi-Language Position
Government and Driver-Challenger Position
Time to learn Marathi
MNS and Marathi-Language Position
Amit Thackeray criticised the one-year extension and said the government should take a stronger stand for Marathi.
Government and Driver-Challenger Position
The government said the extension followed a request from driver representatives, who cited the sector's varied ages and educational backgrounds.
Language and passenger treatment
MNS and Marathi-Language Position
Thackeray said drivers should communicate in Marathi, should not insist on Hindi, and should not trouble or treat passengers rudely.
Government and Driver-Challenger Position
The articles do not report a response from drivers or the government to Thackeray's warning; the drivers' court petition instead challenges the language requirement itself.
Political motivation and legality
MNS and Marathi-Language Position
Thackeray alleged the extension was influenced by upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections and accused the government of setting Marathi aside.
Government and Driver-Challenger Position
The government explanation cited the drivers' request for more time, while four cab drivers separately argued in court that the requirement violates constitutional rights and exceeds the Motor Vehicles Act.
- Speaker
- Amit Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
- Government decision
- Auto-rickshaw, taxi, cab and app-based cab drivers were given one year to learn functional Marathi.
- Government explanation
- Devendra Fadnavis said driver representatives requested more time because workers have different ages and educational backgrounds.
- Thackeray's warning
- He said the MNS would act against drivers accused of speaking Hindi or behaving rudely with passengers, using language threatening physical retaliation.
- Marathi rule
- Practical knowledge of Marathi became mandatory for commercial passenger-vehicle drivers from August 12.
- Possible penalties
- Drivers unable to demonstrate working Marathi could face a three-month suspension of driving-licence authorisation; repeated violations could result in permanent permit cancellation.
- Court challenge
- Four cab drivers petitioned the Bombay High Court, citing Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
