Maharashtra Gives Drivers One Year to Learn Marathi for Permits

The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that autorickshaw, taxi, and cab drivers will receive a one-year grace period to learn, read, and speak Marathi for permit requirements. The undertaking was presented during legal proceedings initiated by four Uber drivers who challenged the mandatory language requirement for commercial vehicle permits. The High Court formally accepted the government statement and disposed of the plea.

The petition challenged the constitutional validity and practical feasibility of imposing strict regional language mandates on app-based transport aggregators. Drivers argued that immediate enforcement threatened their livelihood without providing adequate time for compliance. The state government counter-argued that regional language proficiency ensures seamless communication with local passengers.

Transport unions across Mumbai and other Maharashtra cities are reviewing the one-year compliance timeline for drivers. Ride-hailing platforms operating in the state must assist drivers in meeting the linguistic requirements within the stipulated period. Commuters in Maharashtra can expect gradual implementation of Marathi proficiency among commercial transport operators.