'Inhuman Practice': SC Bans Hand-Pulled Rickshaws in Matheran, Directs State to Implement E-Rickshaw Scheme

The Supreme Court has held that the practice of hand-pulled rickshaws in Matheran is inhuman and must be stopped.

A bench led by CJI B.R. Gavai, with Justices K Vinod Chandran and KV Viswanathan, directed the Maharashtra government to phase out the practice within six months.

The Court noted the violation of human dignity and constitutional promises of social justice, citing Azad Rickshaw Pullers Union and People of India for Democratic Rights.

The state must introduce an e-rickshaw scheme and rehabilitate rickshaw pullers, with the Court making clear that lack of funds is no excuse for delay.

[T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India & Ors.]