In a big relief to owners and drivers of diesel taxis with all-India tourist permit (AITP), which have been plying in Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR), the Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted the ban on them, albeit provisionally. The court allowed them to resume operations till their permit expires.
The apex court, however, ruled that no new taxis with AITP would be allowed to do point to point service within NCR.
While all old diesel tourist taxis can now resume operations in Delhi and NCR, henceforth, AITP will be given to a diesel taxi only if the applicant gives an assurance that it will be used for long distance tourist purpose, and not within NCR.
Earlier, the court had allowed diesel taxis with all-India permit to ferry call centre employees in the NCR after the Centre told it that a blanket ban on diesel taxis would hurt the BPO sector.1