Amid ongoing protests by transport workers in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that residents should make an effort to learn Marathi, while firmly asserting that any form of violence in the name of language is unacceptable. His remarks came in response to growing tensions following a directive that would require auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to demonstrate proficiency in Marathi as part of a verification process. At the same time, he emphasised that Maharashtra has historically remained inclusive and open to people from across the country, rejecting any notion of exclusion based on linguistic identity.
Fadnavis highlighted the importance of linguistic pride, stating that those living in the state should try to learn Marathi, and added that the government would support those who have not yet acquired the language. However, he drew a clear line against conflict or coercion, underlining that disputes over language must not escalate into violence. He also described Maharashtra as a reform-oriented state with a strong cultural legacy, referencing its historical role in movements such as the Bhakti tradition, and pointed out that it remains one of India’s key economic engines with global economic significance.
The controversy stems from an announcement by Pratap Sarnaik, who said that from May 1, all licensed taxi and auto-rickshaw drivers would be required to demonstrate the ability to read and write Marathi. The verification drive is proposed to be conducted across 59 regional and sub-regional transport offices in the state. This move has triggered protests, particularly among migrant drivers from other states, who argue that the requirement could lead to harassment and threaten their livelihoods.
Driver unions have expressed strong opposition, warning of statewide agitation if the rule is enforced through testing or penalties. They contend that the measure disproportionately affects migrant workers who rely on transport services for income. The state government, however, maintains that it is not introducing a new policy but rather enforcing provisions that have existed in the regulatory framework for years.
The legal position surrounding the directive remains complex. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a central law, outlines the eligibility criteria for obtaining driving licences across the country and requires applicants for transport vehicle licences to have at least a Class 8 education. While the central framework provides broad guidelines, it allows states to introduce additional rules as long as they do not conflict with national provisions.
Under Section 28 of the Act, states are empowered to regulate the issuance of badges for transport drivers. In Maharashtra, this is implemented through Rule 24 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, which requires applicants for certain public service vehicle badges to possess knowledge of local routes and a working understanding of Marathi along with another commonly spoken language. Authorities can deny or revoke badges if these conditions are not met.
However, a key legal complication arises from a 2017 ruling by the Bombay High Court in the case of Shivpujan Kumar vs State of Maharashtra. The court held that auto-rickshaws fall under the category of “motor cabs” as defined in the Act, and since motor cabs are exempt from the provisions of Rule 24, the Marathi language requirement cannot be imposed on auto-rickshaw drivers. This interpretation has continued to influence the debate, raising questions about whether the current enforcement drive can legally apply to all categories of transport drivers.
The issue has therefore evolved into a broader debate involving language, legal interpretation, and labour rights. While the government frames the move as an effort to promote linguistic integration and administrative consistency, critics view it as a potential barrier for migrant workers. The situation remains fluid, with protests, legal considerations, and policy clarifications likely to shape the outcome in the coming weeks.
