The court emphasized the need for timely consideration of permit transfer applications under transportation regulations.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner is the transferee in the joint application for transfer of permit in respect of stage carriage bearing Registration No.KL-07/BW 1819 to operate service on the route Fort Kochi – Aluva. The permit was valid till 14.01.2015. The 1^st respondent rejected the application for renewal of permit. The registered owner of the vehicle challenged the same before the State Transport Appellate Authority. The State Transport Appellate Authority, by Ext.P2 judgment, set aside the order of suspension of the permit and directed the 1^st respondent to consider the application for its renewal on merits. Pursuant thereto, renewal was granted by Ext.P4. Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Authority, by Ext.P5, adjourned the application for transfer of permit. Therefore, the petitioner has filed this writ petition for the following reliefs:-

“i) to issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, direction or order directing the 1^st respondent to pass joint application for transfer of permit pursuant to Exhibit P5 order, forthwith or at any rate within a time limit to be fixed by this Hon’ble Court, in the interest of justice;

ii) to issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, direction or order directing the 2^nd respondent to allow the transfer of permit to stage carriage KL-07/BW 1819 to operate service on the route Fort Kochi – Aluva (city permit) pursuant to Exhibit P5 order, forthwith or at any rate within a time limit to be fixed by this Hon’ble Court, in the interest of justice.”

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader.

3. In the facts and circumstances of the case, there will be a direction to the competent among the respondents to consider the application for transfer of permit in respect of the stage carriage bearing Registration No.KL-07/BW 1819, in accordance with law, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.

With the said direction, the writ petition is disposed of.

Sd/-