Uber, Ola apply for aggregator licence in Maharashtra

Sets of guidelines brought out by the Centre and the Maharashtra government mandate such app-based companies to obtain a licence. Currently, the government cannot efficiently take action in case of violations by these operators and a licence could change that situation.

Acting on a directive of the Supreme Court, the ride-hailing service firms have applied for aggregator licences at Mumbai’s Tardeo RTO, which has jurisdiction over the entire island city, the official said.

Bharat Kalaskar, regional transport officer from Tardeo RTO, said they received applications from Ola and Uber for aggregator licences three-four days ago.

The applications are under scrutiny and will be subsequently put up to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA) for a final decision about granting the licence, he said.

Though Ola did not respond to PTI’s queries regarding the application, an Uber spokesperson confirmed submission at the RTO.

Discover the stories of your interest

“Uber has applied well within the deadline set by the apex court,” said the spokesperson.SC orders

The Supreme Court on February 13 asked cab aggregator Uber India to apply for a valid licences to the Maharashtra government by March 6 to continue operating in the state.

It gave the state government two weeks to decide on Uber’s application thereafter.

The apex court also asked the state government to expeditiously frame an appropriate policy for aggregators in terms of the central government’s guidelines for the same.

Until the state government notifies or compiles its draft rules, the Central Rules (Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020) would hold the field, it said.

“You (Uber) apply for a licence or adhere to guidelines … You cannot operate under an interim order of the court. You cannot work as an aggregator without a licence and that is a statutory mandate… We are of the view that interim order permitting them to operate without licence cannot stand, as an aggregator cannot work in absence of licence. Uber to apply for a licence within a period of three weeks, on or before March 6, 2023,” a Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said.

Uber is currently working under a provisional aggregator licence.

“The indecision of the state government leads to uncertainty in the business of aggregators, which is best avoided. We also don’t want Uber to come to a halt. You must decide quickly. Problems arise as you don’t make rules,” the CJI told the Maharashtra government counsel.