R. Rajendra Babu, J.

Petitioner, who is operating his stage carriage bearing Reg. No. KBE 1911 on the route Fort Kochi-Eda Kochi, filed this petition for quashing Exts. P4 and P5 orders granting variation of the permit to the fourth respondent in respect of the vehicle KRF 7353.

2. The fourth respondent is operating his stage carriage bearing Reg. No. KRF 7353 on the route Kumbalangi-Mattacherry. He filed an application for variation of the permit so as to operate one trip as Kumbalangi-Kaloor (via) Menaka and another trip as Kumbalangi-Fort Kochi. The above application was rejected by the R.T.A., Ernakulam as per its proceedings dated 22.6.1999. The above order was challenged by the fourth respondent before the STAT in MVAA No. 498/99. By Ext. P4 order the STAT reversed the order of the RTA and directed to grant the variation and accordingly the RTA granted variation as per Ext. P5 order. The above orders are under challenge.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, fourth respondent and also the learned Government Pleader.

4. The application for variation of the permit filed by the fourth respondent was rejected by the R.T.A., Ernakulam as per Ext. P2 order, which