Police Notices Warned Protestors Against Disturbing Public OrderMumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday granted ex-parte ad-interim reliefs to Uber against a group of protestors allegedly disrupting its operations across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, observing that there was an “extreme and immediate urgency” in the matter.
Court Restrains Protestors from Obstructing Uber’s Operations
Justice Riyaz Chagla passed the order in a civil suit filed by Uber seeking protection from alleged violent actions by members of the Swapan Kanya Sanghatana, IGF Union, and other groups. The court was informed that from July 23 noon, there was a threat that all Uber vehicles would be stopped and possibly damaged.
Uber Accuses Union Groups of Threats, Assaults, and Vehicle Damage
Uber’s counsel, senior advocate Virag Tulzapurkar, referred to recent notices issued by police in Chikhali and Baner stations cautioning protestors not to disturb public order. The unions are threatening and stopping Uber drivers, preventing them from working, and even damaging vehicles, Tulzapurkar submitted, showing a photograph of a vehicle with a smashed rear windscreen.
The protests were reportedly over alleged fare hikes on app-based platforms including Ola, Uber, and Rapido. A July 17 police notice cited an illegal call by Defendant union to prevent app-based drivers from working and warned that any breach of peace would invite strict action.
Joint Commissioner of Police Directed to Provide Immediate Protection
Observing that “a strong prima facie case” had been made out, the court restrained the protestors from stopping, blocking, or assaulting Uber’s driver-partners or passengers, and from interfering in its business. It also directed the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to provide immediate police protection and ensure vehicles were not obstructed.
“If notice is given before passing this relief, there is a grave apprehension that the situation may escalate and normalcy may not be restored,” the judge noted. The HC has kept the matter for hearing on August 6.
