Mandamus issued for timely consideration of stage carriage vehicle replacement application before permit expiry.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner is an existing stage carriage operator of two vehicles bearing registration No.KL-58-0171 and KL-54- 4626. The vehicle bearing registration No.KL-58-0171 has been issued a regular permit to operate on the designated route Mundoor-Medical College-Trichur via Avanur, Panjamoola, Alathara, Athani and Patturaikkal. The said permit is valid till 07.05.2026. The petitioner intends to replace the vehicle bearing registration No.KL-58-0171 with the vehicle bearing registration No.KL-54-4626 and filed Ext.P1 application therefor. The grievance of the petitioner is that Ext.P1 application is not so far considered by the respondent. Accordingly, the petitioner has filed this writ petition for the following relief :

“a. Issue a writ of mandamus or other appropriate writ, order or direction commanding the respondent to consider and pass appropriate orders on Exhibit P1 application for replacement submitted by the petitioner, within a timeframe to be stipulated by this Hon’ble Court and at any rate, before the expiration of the present permit;”

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

3. In the facts and circumstances of the case, there will be a direction to the respondent to consider Ext.P1 application for replacement on or before 05.05.2026.

The writ petition is accordingly disposed of.