Supreme Court Decries Manual Rickshaws As A Human Rights Concern

During the hearing of a petition linked to the TN Godavarman case, Chief Justice BR Gavai made powerful observations against the use of hand-pulled rickshaws in the eco-sensitive hill station of Matheran.

He labelled the practice as ‘inhuman’ and said no person would pull a rickshaw by choice, but rather out of necessity due to lack of alternatives.

CJI Gavai emphasised that such degrading practices deeply erode the constitutional ideals of social and economic justice.

“This tradition diminishes human dignity and violates the promises made by the Constitution to every citizen,” he remarked.

Heading a three-judge bench, the CJI expressed concern that, even 45 years after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of independent rickshaw pullers, the practice continues in Matheran.

He termed this a betrayal of the constitutional promise of equality and justice.

“Seventy-eight years after Independence and seventy-five years since the Constitution came into force, allowing one human being to pull another is a national disgrace,” he added.

A Call for Ban & Rehabilitation

CJI Gavai urged the immediate abolition of the practice.

While acknowledging concerns about the livelihoods of those affected, he cited a viable solution proposed back in 1980: introducing alternative, eco-friendly options.

He highlighted that technological advancements now allow for sustainable solutions such as e-rickshaws, which can preserve both livelihoods and human dignity.

The Court questioned the efficacy of the Maharashtra government’s response and criticised the lack of urgency.

“Your officers may be under pressure, but we are not,” the CJI asserted, signalling that the judiciary would remain independent and uncompromising on matters of dignity and justice.

Given that Matheran prohibits motor vehicles, the hand-pulled rickshaw has remained a default mode of transport.

The bench, however, rejected this as justification for continuing the exploitative tradition and urged the state to provide alternative employment for the affected workers.

As a progressive alternative, the CJI recommended that Maharashtra study Gujarat’s Kevadia model, where tribal women operate e-rickshaws daily.

This approach preserves employment while offering dignity and economic independence.

Timeline of Key Supreme Court Orders

• In January 2024, the Court mandated authorities to allocate e-rickshaws only to former hand-rickshaw pullers.
• April 2024: The rule limits the number of e-rickshaws in Matheran to 20.
• November 2024: Court warns authorities over licence fraud; licences restricted to genuine applicants.
• February 2025: Maharashtra ordered to submit a transparent rehabilitation plan within two weeks.

The Supreme Court’s intervention marks a pivotal moment in India’s commitment to human dignity and labour justice.

By promoting environmentally friendly alternatives and demanding systemic reform, the Court pushes for a humane and sustainable path forward.

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