Supreme Court Orders Maharashtra to Rehabilitate Matheran Rickshaw Pullers

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has condemned the ongoing use of hand-pulled rickshaws to ferry tourists in the eco-sensitive Matheran hill station in Maharashtra's Western Ghats. The court, led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, expressed deep anguish over this "inhuman practice," which it said belittles India's march towards development and the Constitution's promise of social and economic justice.

Recalling a 45-year-old judgment in the Azad Rickshaw Pullers Association case, the court has directed the Maharashtra government to frame a scheme within six months to provide e-rickshaws to the people engaged in hand-pulling rickshaws. The aim is to rehabilitate these workers and ensure they can earn a living with dignity, as the court believes the current practice is a betrayal of the Constitution's commitment to social and economic justice.

The court has asked the Raigad district collector to identify the genuine hand-pulled rickshaw pullers and provide them with the e-rickshaws, while any remaining vehicles can be allotted to tribal women residing in the area. The state government has been warned that lack of funds will not be accepted as an excuse for not implementing the scheme, as the court is determined to put an end to this exploitative practice in Matheran.