HC directs SSP to decide on Doon e-rick ops within 10 days

Dehradun: Uttarakhand high court (HC) on Monday directed the senior superintendent of police (SSP), Dehradun, to decide within 10 days on issues related to the operation of e-rickshaws in the city. The single bench of Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, while hearing petitions concerning alleged illegal operation of e-rickshaws, also treated the matter as one of public interest and appointed advocate Dushyant Mainali as amicus curiae.During the hearing, the amicus curiae submitted that residents were facing daily traffic congestion and pointed out that despite the availability of parking facilities, vehicles were often not parked in designated areas.He referred to traffic management practices in countries such as Dubai and cited reports relating to state transport corporation regulations and traffic police guidelines to suggest measures for reducing congestion. He stressed the need for strict enforcement of existing rules and greater public awareness.Counsel representing Dehradun e-rickshaw operators told the court that the SSP had restricted their operating hours, while no similar curbs were imposed on other vehicles. It was argued that the restriction had adversely affected the livelihood of e-rickshaw drivers, as they were unable to find passengers during the permitted hours. The operators sought a stay on the order.The court directed the SSP to examine the grievances of the operators and take an appropriate decision within 10 days.