Mangaluru E-Auto Association Demands Permit Extension for 2,500 Vehicles
Mangaluru: The Youth Electrical Auto Drivers, Owners Association has made a significant appeal to local authorities regarding permits for electric autorickshaws. Lawrence D'Souza, the association's honorary president, publicly urged on Saturday that permits be granted to approximately 2,500 electric autorickshaws that were purchased before the October 31, 2025 deadline.
High Court Intervention and Permit Application Status
D'Souza informed media representatives that the Karnataka High Court has issued a stay on two specific conditions that were previously imposed by the Dakshina Kannada district administration. These conditions had been creating obstacles for electric auto operators seeking permits within the city limits. According to the association's data, approximately 1,500 drivers and owners have already submitted their permit applications following district administration guidelines, while the remaining operators have yet to complete this process.
The association now plans to formally request the District Commissioner to extend the application deadline by an additional month to accommodate all eligible operators. This extension would provide sufficient time for the remaining drivers to complete their applications and meet the necessary requirements.
Transition from Fuel to Electric Vehicles
D'Souza highlighted the significant shift from traditional petrol and diesel autorickshaws to electric vehicles in Mangaluru. This transition aligns with nationwide efforts to reduce environmental pollution through cleaner transportation alternatives. Many unemployed youth in the region have invested in electric autorickshaws as part of this green initiative, viewing them as sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Initially, auto drivers submitted a petition to the District Commissioner opposing certain restrictive measures. After several rounds of discussions and meetings, the then-District Commissioner issued an order allowing autorickshaws purchased before July 26, 2024, to operate legally. However, this order faced legal challenges and was subsequently stayed by the court.
Current Permit Conditions and Legal Challenges
The current District Commissioner issued a revised order on December 6, 2025, establishing five specific conditions for permit eligibility and directing all auto drivers to obtain proper permits. Despite this directive, only 250 applications were initially submitted. A comprehensive review revealed that numerous drivers failed to meet the eligibility criteria due to the restrictive nature of these conditions.
The association then pursued legal recourse through the Karnataka High Court, which granted a stay on two particularly problematic conditions: the requirement of five years' continuous residence in Mangaluru city and the rule that only the permit-holder could operate the vehicle. With these restrictions temporarily lifted, the association is now insisting that permits should be granted to all eligible electric auto drivers without unnecessary barriers.
Association legal adviser Manoraj Rajeev and other key members were present during these developments, providing legal guidance and support to the affected drivers and owners. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders work toward a resolution that balances regulatory requirements with practical implementation for electric vehicle operators in Mangaluru.
