Calcutta High Court Orders Detailed Report on Autorickshaw Permit Rejection Due to Route Congestion

Regional Transport Authority Directed to Address Autorickshaw Permit Issues Amidst Overlapping Routes and Terminal Congestion

In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has directed the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Hooghly to submit a comprehensive report addressing the rejection of an autorickshaw permit application due to congestion and overlapping routes. The case, titled "Bapan Malik v. State of West Bengal," saw Justice Smita Das De presiding over the matter, with the decision dated November 11, 2025.

The petitioner, Bapan Malik, had applied for a new autorickshaw permit for Route No.126, which spans from Uttarpara Railway Station Makhla Side to Dankuni. However, his application was rejected by the RTA citing overlapping with Mini Bus Route No.225 and extreme congestion at both terminal points. The rejection was grounded in clauses from Notification No.268-WT/3M-01/2010 issued by the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal.

The court acknowledged the petitioner's grievance and noted that despite two representations being made, the issue remained unresolved. It was highlighted that a prior enquiry by the RTA had confirmed the overlap with the bus route and the congestion at terminal points, yet no permits were issued due to the valid yet inactive bus permits for Route No.225.

Justice Das De has mandated the Secretary of the RTA, Hooghly, to file a detailed report within four weeks, detailing the steps taken following the Chairman's order dated May 6, 2022. This order had directed bus operators with valid permits to either resume service or surrender their permits. The court emphasized the necessity of addressing public inconvenience and proposed the consideration of autorickshaw permits as a solution.

The ruling stresses the importance of resolving the congestion issue and suggests that if bus operators do not resume service, the infusion of autorickshaws could be a viable alternative to bridge the service gap. Furthermore, the court has requested suggestions from the Chairman, RTA, to resolve the issue effectively, ensuring that public transportation needs are met.

The respondents are required to serve a copy of the detailed report to the petitioner, allowing exceptions to be filed within two weeks thereafter. The matter is set to reappear in court on December 18, 2025.

This judgment underscores the complexities involved in transport permit allocations amidst urban congestion and overlapping routes, highlighting the court's proactive approach in seeking solutions to enhance public transportation services.

Bottom Line:

Application for new autorickshaw permit rejected due to overlapping with existing bus route and congestion at terminal points - Court directs Regional Transport Authority to file detailed report on steps taken to address the issue and provide suggestions for resolving congestion and permit allocation.

Statutory provision(s): Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 Section 86

Bapan Malik v. State of West Bengal, (Calcutta) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2810122