Taxi Driver Assaults Woman Lawyer Outside Mumbai Court Over Fare Dispute; FIR Filed After Intervention

Mumbai : A 26-year-old taxi driver has been booked by the Colaba police for allegedly assaulting and misbehaving with a woman lawyer outside the City Civil and Sessions Court at Kala Ghoda on Wednesday afternoon, following a dispute over fare charges.

The incident occurred when the advocate, accompanied by a colleague, requested the driver, identified as Amir Ansari, to drop them at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and charge according to the taxi meter. However, Ansari refused and demanded a fixed fare of ₹60, which led to a heated argument.

According to the complaint, when the lawyers insisted on paying by meter and questioned the fare in front of nearby taxi drivers—who confirmed the metered rate—Ansari allegedly became aggressive. The woman lawyer reported that Ansari began using abusive language, physically assaulted her, and behaved in an indecent manner. She further alleged that he touched her inappropriately during the scuffle.

The confrontation attracted a crowd, and bystanders intervened by removing the keys from the accused's vehicle. The situation was brought under control, and Ansari was escorted to the police station.

Despite the woman’s immediate attempt to file a First Information Report (FIR), the Colaba police initially refused to register the complaint. Asif Naqvi, Secretary of the Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court Bar Association, confirmed the reluctance of the police to act. “It was only after our intervention that the FIR was finally lodged,” Naqvi stated.

The Colaba police have since booked the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assault, criminal intimidation, and outraging the modesty of a woman.

The Bar Association has expressed serious concern over the incident, urging authorities to ensure the safety of legal professionals and prompt action in such cases.