New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the government to stop plying of e-rickshaws in the city with immediate effect. 

While more details are still awaited on the development, it may be recalled that e-rickshaws or battery-operated rickshaws have been embroiled in controversy for the past several months. 

Those against e-rickshaws say these 'vehicles' do not require registration and that their drivers also do not need licences, as this mode of transport is not covered under the Motor Vehicles Act. 

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had recently announced that the government would not ban e-rickshaws in Delhi. He, however, himself got embroiled in controversy later when reports claimed that a firm allegedly linked to the minister was seeking to manufacture e-rickshaws.

While e-rickshaws have become a preferred choice of last-mile commutation, they have also come to be seen as a menace on Delhi's congested roads. Their mushrooming has eaten into whatever little space was left on Delhi's roads, and their reckless plying has also become a problem for other commuters, especially pedestrians.

courtesy: zee