App-based cabs overcharging, Delhi govt tells High Court

App-based taxi services like Ola and Uber are charging passengers much more than the rates prescribed under the law, Delhi high court was informed on Friday.

The allegation by the city government and an association representing radio cab operators was made before Justice Manmohan, who directed the government to file an affidavit on whether the app-based taxi services were overcharging people. The court sought the affidavit after the government counsel orally alleged that the app-based cabs were charging very high rates and also not mentioning the distance travelled on the receipts given to passengers.

“Actual distance that has been travelled is not reflected in the receipt,” the counsel said and added that while the government can monitor, it can be better governed by the cab companies themselves.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 15. During the brief hearing, the Association of Radio Taxis contended that the app-based cab companies were not fully complying with the court order on plying of diesel cabs in the city and this was “disrupting the level playing field”. It also alleged that these companies were charging passengers 3-4 times more than the stipulated rates, an allegation that was denied by the counsel for the app-based taxi service providers.