Hand-Pulled Rickshaws in Matheran Belittle India, Says Supreme Court

SC directs Maharashtra to replace inhuman transport with e-rickshaws within six months

New Delhi, August 7, 2025 – The Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply criticized the continued use of hand-pulled rickshaws in Matheran, Maharashtra. It called the practice inhumane and said it undermines India’s progress as a developing nation. The court also stated that allowing such transport in an eco-sensitive, automobile-free zone belittles India’s constitutional promise of social and economic justice.

A bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria expressed deep anguish over the government’s inaction. This was despite a 45-year-old judgment in the Azad Rickshaw Pullers Association case. That verdict had asked the state to protect the dignity and livelihood of rickshaw pullers.The court said it was unfortunate that even after decades, the exploitation of workers through hand-pulled rickshaws continues.

The judges stated that the Constitution promised dignity and justice to all citizens. Failing to eliminate such degrading practices, the bench said, is a betrayal of that promise. “Are we alive to the social and economic justice mandated by the Constitution?” CJI Gavai asked. “If the answer is no, the consequences are dire.”

To correct this, the bench directed the Maharashtra government to frame a scheme within six months. The plan must replace hand-pulled rickshaws with e-rickshaws for tourists and ensure the same rickshaw pullers retain their livelihood with dignity. The court cited the example of Gujarat’s Sardar Patel statue area, where 150 e-rickshaws have been purchased to ferry tourists.

The judges asked Maharashtra to take a leaf out of that model and quickly implement a modern solution. They emphasized that economic justice cannot be achieved if the state fails to act on such visibly inhuman practices.

This ruling marks a significant step in promoting both human dignity and sustainable transport in heritage and eco-sensitive zones. The Supreme Court’s remarks highlight an urgent need for action. All Indian states must eliminate practices that violate basic human rights under the guise of tourism or tradition.

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