The court emphasizes the need for adherence to established safety protocols to mitigate bus accidents and ensure public safety.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner, a permanent employee of the KSRTC, has filed this writ petition raising concerns about the increasing frequency of bus accidents, which he attributes to the lack of corrective steps and the deficiency in the functioning of the accident enquiry system.

2. Petitioner submits that the KSRTC had, through a resolution dated 20.12.2024, decided to establish a Technical- vigilance team in each district comprising the selected Inspectors, Assistant depot Engineers, Vehicle Supervisors and Mechanics to conduct proper accident investigations by assigning responsibilities based on technical knowledge and qualifications. Petitioner complains that Exts.P2 and P3 have not been implemented.

3. A counter affidavit has been filed on behalf of the Corporation, which reads as follows:-

“6. It is respectfully submitted that the KSRTC had, as early as in the year 2006, issued Exhibit P2 circular governing the conduct of accident enquiries, and the same was duly implemented thereafter. Subsequently, Exhibit P3 order was issued introducing the Technical Vigilance Team comprising both Technical and Non-Technical personnel with the broader objective of conducting enquiries, improving maintenance of buses, reducing off-road instances, enhancing KMPL efficiency, and rectifying defects in driving practices. The inclusion of an Inspector, Assistant Depot Engineer, Vehicle Supervisor, and Mechanic in the said team was intended to ensure accident reduction, public safety, and proper enquiry procedures in the event of accidents.

7. It is submitted that the contention that Exhibits P1 and P2 were not implemented in KSRTC is wholly incorrect. An order has already been issued by the Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation, specifically constituting the Technical Vigilance Team with selected employees from various units. A true copy of the said order dated 10/01/2025 is produced herewith and marked as Exhibit R1(a). In view of the above no further grievances of the petitioner survives.

8. It is further submitted that KSRTC has taken additional measures to ensure that drivers undergo proper training for handling large vehicles under varying road conditions. Periodic refresher training programmes are conducted to update driving skills, reinforce safety protocols, and ensure health monitoring through regular medical check-ups. Vehicle maintenance activities are also systematically monitored. It is submitted that many accidents arise due to factors such as brake failure, worn- out tyres, or steering issues, all of which are identified and rectified early through proper inspection by the Technical Vigilance Team.

9. It is submitted that proper inspection and maintenance significantly reduce the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions. Drivers thereby gain greater assurance regarding the condition of their vehicles, which in turn reduces stress and enhances focus while driving. It is further submitted that periodic checks ensure that all vehicles meet prescribed safety standards, thereby preventing negligence or unsafe shortcuts. Immediately following an accident, prompt steps are taken to identify technical causes, preventing recurrence of similar incidents in the fleet.

10. It is pertinent to note that an Accident Monitoring Cell is functioning at the Head Office. The Technical Vigilance Team constitutes the cornerstone of KSRTC's accident prevention mechanism. Their systematic approach to vehicle safety, from preventive inspections to post-accident analysis, ensures that the buses are maintained to high operational standards. By detecting faults early, enforcing compliance, and providing technical guidance, the team significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents, thereby safeguarding b