The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Delhi government over allegations that app-based cab and auto-rickshaw aggregators are charging fares significantly higher than rates notified by the state's Transport Department. The Commission has directed the Delhi government to investigate the complaints and submit a factual report within two weeks.

What the NHRC Has Flagged

The NHRC has sought clarity on whether app-based aggregators are complying with the government-notified fare structure and whether commuters are being subjected to unjustified overcharging. The Commission is also sending a separate notice to the Union Ministry for Consumer Affairs, urging that all app-based transport services be bound by fare rates fixed by the relevant state or regional authority.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the Commission received a complaint that app-based auto and cab services — widely used by ordinary citizens — are charging fares above the prescribed rates. 'We received a complaint that app-based auto and cab services, which are commonly used by citizens, are charging fares higher than the prescribed rates,' he said.

The Rights Argument

Kanoongo stressed that in every state, taxi and auto-rickshaw fares are fixed by the Transport Department on a per-kilometre basis, and no aggregator — regardless of its technology model — can legally charge above that ceiling. 'Now if any app-based service is charging more than the prescribed rate, then it is definitely against the rights of citizens. When the government has fixed certain rates, just by being an app-based service they cannot charge more,' he said.

He added that the Commission is 'hopeful for a positive report otherwise we will have to take stringent measures' — signalling that regulatory escalation remains on the table if the Delhi government's response is unsatisfactory.

Background: Driver Strikes and Fare Disputes

The notice comes against the backdrop of sustained tension in Delhi's transport sector. In May, truck, taxi, and auto-rickshaw drivers in the national capital staged a three-day strike demanding a revision in fares and relief from rising fuel costs. Drivers said that despite working nearly 12 hours a day, stagnant fares and rising prices of diesel, petrol, and CNG had left them financially strained. The strike was called off on the third day after the Delhi government offered assurances following discussions with the protesting unions.

The NHRC's intervention now adds a human rights dimension to what has largely been framed as a consumer and labour dispute — raising the stakes for both the aggregators and the state administration.

What Happens Next

The Delhi government must submit its inquiry report to the NHRC within two weeks. Simultaneously, the Union Ministry for Consumer Affairs will receive a notice asking for a framework that mandates app-based services nationwide to adhere to state-fixed fare structures. Depending on the responses received, the Commission has indicated it may pursue further action.