Section 101: Dispute as to taxi fares

101. Dispute as to taxi fares (1) (a) Where a dispute arises between the hirer and the driver of a taxi with regard to the sum payable in respect of the hiring, the hirer may require the driver to drive to the nearest police station and shall deposit the sum demanded by the driver with the officer in charge of the police station. (b) The officer shall retain the sum until the matter in dispute is decided by a Magistrate or otherwise disposed of. (2) A Magistrate to whom a dispute is referred under subsection (1) shall— (a) proceed to examine, on oath, the parties to the dispute and such witnesses as they desire to be examined; and (b) reduce the substance of the examination to writing. (3) The Magistrate shall, after the examination under subsection (2) is completed, give his decision, which shall be final. (4) A copy of the Magistrate’s decision shall be forwarded to— (a) the officer in charge of the police station referred to in subsection (1), who shall take action accordingly; and (b) the Authority. (5) The driver of a taxi who refuses to drive to the nearest police station when required to do so under this section shall commit an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 250 rupees and the Court by which he is convicted shall send to the Authority particulars of the conviction.