Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Mumbai Cab Drivers Challenge Maharashtra’s Mandatory Marathi Language Rule
Four cab drivers asked the Bombay High Court to stop a new Marathi language rule.
The rule applies to auto-rickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers in Maharashtra.
The drivers say the main vehicle law does not allow the government to add this language condition.
They also say the rule may violate important constitutional rights.
They worry that drivers could lose work if their licences, badges or permits are suspended or cancelled.
The government says drivers only need enough Marathi to communicate with passengers and officials.
Officials also say the rule is not meant to make drivers language experts or take away their livelihoods.
The court was expected to consider urgent relief, but reports gave different dates for that hearing.
Four Mumbai app-based cab drivers filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court challenging Maharashtra’s August 12 Marathi-language notification.
The petition argues that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, does not authorize language requirements for driving licences, badges or permits.
The drivers say the rule violates constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19 and 21 and threatens poor and migrant workers’ livelihoods.
The notification allows authorities to assess Marathi knowledge and potentially suspend or cancel licences, badges or permits, including during permit issuance or renewal.
Maharashtra began statewide checks on August 20, while officials said drivers need practical Marathi for communication, not expert-level fluency.
- Who
- Four Mumbai app-based cab drivers—Mohammed Kasim Ahmad, Mohammed Tauseef Shaikh, Siyad Ahamad and Sadik Nasir Ali Khan—filed the petition through advocate Vivek Shukla.
- What
- They challenged Maharashtra’s requirement that commercial drivers have working knowledge of Marathi and sought a stay, with one account also reporting a request to quash the notification.
- When
- The notification was issued on August 12, 2026; statewide checks began on August 20. Reports variously said the petition might be mentioned on August 26, August 27 or Thursday.
- Where
- The challenge was filed in the Bombay High Court and concerns commercial drivers across Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai.
- Why
- The drivers argue that the requirement exceeds the state’s authority under the Motor Vehicles Act, violates constitutional rights and could endanger drivers’ livelihoods.
Drivers’ legal challenge
Maharashtra’s stated rationale
Legal authority
Drivers’ legal challenge
The drivers argue that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, does not empower the state to require language knowledge for a licence, badge or permit, or to suspend or revoke a badge on that basis.
Maharashtra’s stated rationale
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said practical Marathi knowledge for operating auto-rickshaws and taxis has existed as a Maharashtra requirement since 1989, although it was not strictly enforced.
Livelihoods and enforcement
Drivers’ legal challenge
The petition warns that notices, suspensions and permit or badge cancellations could cause widespread economic hardship, especially for poor and migrant drivers.
Maharashtra’s stated rationale
The state says it does not intend to take away anyone’s livelihood. Officials said drivers would receive time to learn Marathi, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said they were not expected to become language experts.
Purpose of the rule
Drivers’ legal challenge
Drivers faced fear over enforcement and reported rumours of steep fines, contributing to protests in parts of Mumbai.
Maharashtra’s stated rationale
The government says the drive is intended to help drivers communicate with passengers and authorities and encourage respect for Maharashtra’s language and culture.
- Petitioners
- Mohammed Kasim Ahmad, Mohammed Tauseef Shaikh, Siyad Ahamad and Sadik Nasir Ali Khan
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Notification
- Issued by Maharashtra’s Home (Transport) Department on August 12, 2026
- Enforcement
- The Maharashtra Transport Department began statewide checks on August 20
- Potential scale
- The petition cites approximately 9.65 lakh auto-rickshaw and taxi permits and badges issued across Maharashtra
- Language campaign
- A 105-day campaign reported that 165,601 non-Marathi-speaking drivers learned functional Marathi
- Requested relief
- An immediate stay and interim protection from enforcement; one account also reported a request to quash the notification
Sources
Cab drivers move HC against govt's Marathi language rule; cite violation of fundamental rights
Marathi language crackdown: Uber drivers seek Bombay HC help against ‘illegal’ rule
Mumbai: 4 App-Based Cab Drivers Move Bombay HC Against Mandatory Marathi Language Rule
Maharashtra: Cab Drivers Move Bombay HC Against Mandatory Marathi Requirement
Cab Drivers Challenge Maharashtra Marathi Mandate, Ask Court To Slam Breaks
Mumbai Cab Drivers Move Bombay HC Against Mandatory Marathi Rule
‘Threat to livelihoods’: Mumbai cab drivers move Bombay HC against Maharashtra’s Marathi language rule
Marathi language mandate: Mumbai drivers move Bombay High Court
