The Bombay High Court last week dismissed a petition filed by Mumbai Autorickshawmens' Union, which sought quashing of February 17 Maharashtra government notification, which makes e-meters mandatory for all autos in the state in a phased manner.

"We cannot restrain the state government from implementing this decision, just because it is causing hardships to few individuals," observed Justice P B Majmudar and Justice R D Dhanuka.

The judges were of the view that the decision of the Government to make e-meters mandatory for all autorickshaws in the state in a phased manner was in larger public interest.

The government argued before the Court that by ordering mandatory installation of e-meters for autorickshaws, it had eliminated the possibility of passengers being cheated.

An affidavit filed before the high court by Deputy Transport Commissioner Laxman Khade said the decision to make e-meters compulsory was taken after receiving many complaints of meter tampering and fake tariff cards from citizens.

The government had received 4,823 complaints regarding tampering of meters between April 1, 2011 and January 31 this year. During this time, authorities managed to collect Rs 10.31 lakh by way of fine from auto drivers, it said.

The state transport department has suspended permits of 2,731 rickshaws and driving licenses of 1,710 drivers.

The affidavit said that the e-meters are tested by an approved institute and will have a seal on them. The seal will be checked and tested every year. "If an attempt has been made to tamper the e-meter, it will be reflected at the time of testing," it contended.

The government also clarified that the cost of e-meters is in the range of Rs 1,800 to Rs 3,000, which is almost at par with the mechanical meters.

The high court had earlier refused to stay the implementation of the government notification, making electronic meters compulsory for new autos from March 1 and in existing ones in city from April 1.