The Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu Transport Secretary to appear before it on September 21 and explain the steps taken by the government in fixing digital fare meters and GPS instrument for autorickshaws.

The First Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T. S. Sivagnanam, issued the directive during the hearing of a PIL filed by an autodrivers body claiming that no steps had been taken to procure the gadgets despite the lapse of ten months since the government announced the decision to fix digital metres with printers and GPS.

General Secretary of Madras Metro Autodrivers Association J Seshasayanam submitted that it was on August 25, 2013 that the government issued an order announcing its decision to fix the two instruments at an approximate outlay of Rs 80.49 crore after a High Court order.

Stating that malpractices by autorickshaw drivers would come to an end if the government order was implemented, the petitioner said members of his Association never charged more than meter fare from their passengers.

Directing the police and transport authorities to file their respective counters by September 21, the court made it clear that the presence of the Transport Secretary is a must on that date.

Warning that the affidavits filed after September 21 would be taken on record only after a payment of Rs.10,000 litigation cost, the bench summoned the Transport Secretary.

SOURCE PTI

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