Archive · 6 Aug 2025
SC Bans Hand-Pulled Rickshaws in Maharashtra's Matheran
The Supreme Court has told the state of Maharashtra to stop using hand-pulled rickshaws in Matheran, a popular tourist spot.
They think it's wrong to make people pull rickshaws, calling it 'inhuman'.
The court wants the government to switch to electric rickshaws instead.
They're looking at how Gujarat uses them to give locals jobs.
The court also reminded everyone that this kind of work can be a form of forced labor, based on old rulings.
The state government needs to figure out who pulls the rickshaws now and how many e-rickshaws are needed.
Supreme Court orders end of hand-pulled rickshaws in Matheran within six months.
The court deems the practice 'inhuman' and against human dignity.
The Maharashtra government is to explore using e-rickshaws, like in Kevadia, Gujarat.
The court cited a 45-year-old judgment and reiterated that exploitative work conditions are a form of forced labor.
The state government must identify rickshaw pullers and determine the number of e-rickshaws needed.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India and the Maharashtra state government.
- What
- The Supreme Court ordered an end to hand-pulled rickshaws in Matheran.
- When
- The order was issued recently, and the practice must end within six months.
- Where
- Matheran, a hill station in Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The court deemed the practice 'inhuman' and against human dignity, and as a violation of constitutional rights.
Court's View
N/A
Human Dignity
Court's View
Using hand-pulled rickshaws is inhumane and violates human dignity.
N/A
N/A
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Location
- Matheran, Maharashtra
- Order
- Stop hand-pulled rickshaws
- Timeline
- Within six months
- Alternative
- E-rickshaws
- Reason
- Inhumane practice