Srinagar, Apr 26: Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed the government to ensure that no unlicensed aggregator company shall be allowed to operate in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The order in this regard was issued by Justice M.A Choudhary.
Earlier, Ala cabs and technologies private limited had filed a writ petition in the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh seeking immediate interference of the High Court.
Ala cabs had applied for aggregator license in 2021. And subsequently, it was issued Letter of Intent by the Transport Department in Nov 2021, however, some other service providers had been running “illegally” since in violation of the state Aggregator policy and Motor vehicle Act.
Ala cabs approached the court seeking an interim relief for stopping the illegal operations of the non-licensed operators which had also put lives of people at threat in the union territory.
The court taking cognizance of the events had asked the official respondents to stop the operations of unlicensed operators. The order reads “Issue notice in the main petition as well as in the application for interim relief returnable within four weeks. Requisites within one week. Meanwhile, the official respondents shall ensure that no unlicensed Aggregator Company shall be allowed to operate in the Union Territory of J&K.”
This order has come as a major relief for cab operators following due procedure in the UT who have been facing stiff competition from illegal operators. The court’s directive sends a strong message to the authorities to take strict action against those indulging in illegal operations and ensures a level playing field for licensed operators. This will go a long way in improving the safety and security of commuters in the union territory.
