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No Free Rides: Allahabad HC Backs Firing of Conductor for Ticketless Treks
In a stark reminder that public transport demands accountability, the has upheld the termination of bus conductor Jagdamba Prasad Pandey from the . Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery ruled on , dismissing the (WRIT - A No. 12905 of 2010), affirming that ferrying passengers without tickets constitutes ripe for dismissal. This echoes reports of the incident where 59 passengers rode ticketless, as highlighted in contemporary coverage of the case.
From Faizabad to Fiasco: The Route to Ruin
The saga unfolded on , aboard UPSRTC bus UP-42-T/1633 en route from Faizabad to Akbarpur. An inspection revealed Pandey had counted 59 passengers and filled paybills—indicating fare collection—but failed to issue tickets. Charged with misconduct, he faced a chargesheet and initial termination in . A higher authority remitted the matter for fresh inquiry in .
A second probe in partially upheld the charge, noting entries on the route sheet but no tickets issued, despite Pandey's claim of stomach pain. The Disciplinary Authority disagreed, issuing notices highlighting discrepancies like the inspection site's distance (12 km from Akbarpur, not 1-2 km as claimed). Pandey missed the reply deadline, leading to termination on . His appeal was dismissed on , prompting the , which the court rejected after prior directions to exhaust remedies.
Pain or Pretext? Clashing Claims in the Dock
Pandey's counsel argued extenuating circumstances: stomach pain prevented ticketing shortly after departure, fares were collected (no financial loss), the inspection report's author had died (unproved), and no passenger statements existed. Termination was deemed " ," especially with only passenger counts logged.
UPSRTC countered with hard facts: tickets must precede paybills, the 12-km journey offered ample time for issuance, route sheet inconsistencies (e.g., passing a stop without ticketing), and Pandey's delayed, inadequate replies. They stressed the gravity of ticketless travel causing revenue loss, backed by inquiry records and the conductor's admissions.
Supreme Echoes: Why Courts Won't Brake for Bus Blunders
Drawing from Supreme Court wisdom, Justice Shamshery cited MD, North-East Karnataka Road Transport Corpn. v. K. Murti ( ) 12 SCC 570, underscoring that ticketless carriage signals dishonesty or gross negligence, inflicting financial harm on corporations. Referenced cases like and reinforced that such acts justify removal, barring . Courts won't re-appraise evidence in unless punishment —a threshold unmet here, given and unrefuted distance facts.
The ruling distinguishes: partial charge proof, reasoned disagreement, and no timely rebuttal sealed Pandey's fate, unlike mere procedural lapses.
Bench Bites: Quotes That Cut Deep
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On inquiry findings:
"आरोपी का दायित्व था कि यात्रियों को टिकट बनाकर उपलब्ध कराने के उपरांत मार्ग पत्र पर प्रविष्टि करने के बाद बस संचालित कराता लेकिन ऐसा न कर केवल यात्रियों की संख्या मार्ग पत्र पर करके बिना टिकट बनाये वाहन संचालित करा दिया गया जिसके लिए आरोपी दोषी प्रतीत होता है।"
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Disciplinary order:
"परिचालक भ्रष्टाचार में संलिप्त होकर विभागीय नियमों एवं निर्देशों के विरूद्ध है।"
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Final nail:
"Carrying passengers without ticket is a
which could
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invite major punishment of termination."
(Paraphrasing SC precedent integrated in judgment.)
Gavel Down: No Reversal, Clear Precedent
The writ stands dismissed:
"
has no force, hence, dismissed."
Pandey remains terminated, with suspension-period wages forfeited. This bolsters transport employers' hands against revenue leaks, signaling zero tolerance for ticket evasion. Future conductors beware—excuses like ailments won't override duty, especially post ample opportunity. For UPSRTC and peers, it's a win affirming swift, proportionate action in disciplinary rows.
