CHENNAI: Madras high court dismissed a PIL seeking direction to the state government to ensure safety measures in all state-run buses as mandated by appropriate statutes. Noting that the PIL was nothing but a publicity-seeking attempt, the court also imposed Rs 10,000 as cost on the
petitioner.
A division bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad passed the order on plea moved by Jawahar Shanmugam. The petitioner has been directed to remit the cost towards the state juvenile justice fund.
Detailing the poor condition of state-run buses, the petitioner said: “The buses operated by State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) to different destinations within the state and to neighbouring states, give a picture of poor maintenance, quality and image. Hundreds of commuters going to Bengaluru–Chennai route prefer the Karnataka government owned KSRTC buses, as they are in superb condition and the comfort level is very high when compared to SETC buses.”
Noting that the same had been the case of buses run by all neighbouring states, including Kerala, the petitioner wondered why Tamil Nadu was unable to provide good quality buses like its neighbours. “Commuters do not mind paying extra for travelling in these luxurious buses,” he added.
He further submitted that non-maintenance of the buses leads to major accidents, resulting in transport corporations made to pay heavy compensations to the victims.
“Despite having some sound rules on
bus body design, the TN State Corporation buses are poorly maintained in many ways, making it unsafe for the driver to drive the vehicle and also posing dangers to the commuters. Travelling by these buses is a horrible and nightmarish experience,” he added.
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