"Why Corporator's Wife Given 2 Licenses?" : Supreme Court Questions Maharashtra Govt On Matheran E-Rickshaw Licenses

The Supreme Court questioned the Maharashtra government’s decision to grant e-rickshaw licenses to individuals other than the original handcart pullers in Matheran. The court had previously ordered that e-rickshaws be allotted to handcart pullers to compensate for their loss of employment. However, it was found that licenses were given to hotel managers, journalists, and even a corporator’s wife, who received two licenses. The court expressed displeasure with the state’s actions and emphasized the need to adhere to the original order. The court called for an inquiry into the matter and sought a report on the allocation of licenses. The decision aims to ensure that the benefits of the e-rickshaw project reach the intended beneficiaries and address the concerns of the affected handcart pullers.