Bombay HC Dismisses Challenge to Marathi Mandate for Drivers After Deadline Extension

The Bombay High Court disposed of a petition that sought to strike down Maharashtra's mandate requiring drivers to be proficient in Marathi. The plea argued that the language condition violated constitutional rights and posed operational difficulties for non‑Marathi speaking drivers.

The state government had earlier ordered all commercial vehicle drivers to demonstrate Marathi proficiency and set a compliance deadline. After facing industry resistance, Maharashtra extended the deadline, giving operators additional time to meet the requirement.

Following the extension, the court found no immediate ground to stay the mandate and dismissed the challenge, allowing the state’s language policy to remain in force pending any further legal review.