Private buses must adhere to designated stops for safety; the court reinforces inspection and compliance measures.

J U D G M E N T

The writ petition is filed seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 9 to ensure that the private buses, operating on the route near St.Therasa's Higher Secondary School (Girls), Shornurare, stop at the bus stop near the petitioner's School, without fail and also to take action on Exts.P1 to P3 representations submitted by them.

2. A statement has been filed on behalf of the official respondents, stating as follows;

“ 3. The petitioner filed a complaint before this respondent on 29.07.2025. In the complaint it was stated that the buses were not stopping at the bus stops near the St. Therasas School ie. at Mayil Vahanam bus stop (Kunnumpuram area) and the Municipality bus stop at the times between 3.50 pm to 5.00 pm.

4. On the basis of the complaint a joint inspection was conducted by the Motor Vehicle Inspector and Assistant motor Vehicle Inspectors of this office. It was reported that buses mentioned in the complaint are stopping and picking up students and passengers from the above said bus stops. One bus was found not stopping in the bus stop and necessary action has taken against that vehicle and e challan was issued. Frequent inspections were conducted subsequently. It was found that the buses are stopping in the bus stops. Stringent action will be taken against the buses which do not in the designated bus stops.

5. A complaint was also received from the Principal, St.Theresas Higher Secondary School stating that the buses were not stopping in front of the school for picking up students and teachers. The school is situated in a curve. If the buses are allowed to stop in front of the school, it will be very unsafe for the students and other road users. There is likely to be a rush of students and the vehicles that would be picking them up.

It may potentially lead to accidents.

6. A reply has already been furnished to the petitioner and the principal stating the actions taken in the complaints filed by them. True copy of the letter dated 01.09.2025 is produced here with and marked as Annexure R2(a). True copy of the letter dated 27.09.2025 is produced herewith and marked as Annexure R2(b).”

3. The above statements are recorded. If the petitioner has any further grievance, it will be open to them to approach the 7^th respondent, the Traffic Regulatory Committee, which will take appropriate action, in accordance with law.

Writ Petition is disposed of as above.

SD/-