A special bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and C K Prasad gave the signal on an application moved by the Delhi Transport Authority in 2002 for lifting the freeze imposed by the Supreme Court in its earlier direction of December 16, 1997, reported The Times of India. The transport department, in its application had sought increase in the number of autos on the ground that they play a "very important" role as intermediate public transport in the country. The application mentioned that the city needs more autos as there are behavioral issues with those presently plying on city roads: "It is further submitted that the limitation on induction of fresh auto-rickshaws for public transportation has increased the incidents of misbehaviour, overcharging and refusal to carry passengers."

There are about 55,000 auto-rickshaws plying on the capital roads and this order will lead to a three-fold increase in their number. Without proper parking lots, the number is feared to add to the choas on the roads.

A commuter, commenting on the decision of the Supreme Court said, "This will obviously increase the number of options but what is the fun when you have to spend your valubale time in traffic jams, sitting in these autos. Unless there is a proper management in terms of manning them and creating proper parking spaces, this is only going to add to our worries."