Tezzbuzz Desk- Delhi High Court has taken a strict stance regarding the safety of women in app-based cabs, bike taxis and other ride services. The court has issued notice to Uber, Ola and Rapido along with the Central Government and Delhi Government. The next hearing of the case will be on December 16.

This matter came to light during the hearing on a PIL to women's safety. The division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia said that app-based ride companies should be made accountable for making safety arrangements for passengers. The court has asked the parties concerned to file their replies by the next hearing.

The petition has been filed by Aditya Sehgal. In this, there has been a demand to strengthen the rules for the safety of women in app-based cabs, bike taxis and other ride services in Delhi-NCR. It was claimed on behalf of the petitioner that more than 2 lakh cabs of such companies run in Delhi-NCR and the drivers are not adequately checked at night.

The PIL demands verification of drivers, checking of their past criminal records and ensuring identity of the driver and vehicle. The petition states that the driver and vehicle information shown on the app should be the same driver and vehicle during the ride. It is also proposed to give the passenger the option to cancel the ride without penalty in case of change of driver or vehicle without notice.

The petition demands setting up of a 24-hour command and control center for SOS alerts. It is proposed to share booking information, driver identity, vehicle number and live location with emergency teams and police, if needed.

Apart from this, there has been a demand for automatic alert to the passengers if the route changes without any reason, sensitivity training to the drivers towards women and increased surveillance at sensitive places. A proposal has also been made in the petition to give the option of choosing a verified female driver on the basis of availability for women traveling alone.

At present, Delhi High Court has sought answers from the concerned companies and governments. In the next hearing, the court will hear the stand of all the parties regarding security measures.