India, Aug. 13 -- Starting August 18, the driving licences of autorickshaw, taxi and app-based cab drivers who do not have a working knowledge of Marathi can be suspended for up to three months, while repeated violations could lead to cancellation of their licences.

The state transport department on Wednesday amended the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to provide for action against drivers who do not meet the Marathi-language requirement.

State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said that drivers of passenger transport vehicles would need to possess a working knowledge of Marathi to ensure effective communication with commuters. "Driving licences can be suspended for up to three months for lack of Marathi knowledge; repeated viol...