A transport authority must consider objections filed against proposed revisions to settled bus timings prior to granting or varying permits.

JUDGMENT

The petitioner is the holder of regular permit in respect of stage carriage bearing Registration No. SC KL 35 J 4581 operating service with a settled set of timings on the route Pala - Chovoor. The permit is valid till 23.03.2029. The 2^nd respondent applied for a regular permit as well as temporary permit on the route Kalathukkadavu – Chotti - Pala, covering the route allotted to the petitioner which was granted by the RTA, Kottayam, on 05.03.2025, subject to settlement of timings. It is contended by the petitioner that the 2^nd respondent has now sought to revise her timings which was settled recently on

07.04.2025. The petitioner further contends that if the said settled timings is revised, it will seriously affect his service. The petitioner submitted Ext.P6 written objection before the 1^st respondent on 11.05.2026. The petitioner apprehends non consideration of his objection while considering the application for revision of timings of the 2^nd respondent. Accordingly, he filed this writ petition for the following reliefs:

“i. issue a writ of certiorari or such other writs, orders or directions directing the Secretary, RTA, Kottayam to consider Ext.P6 objection preferred against the attempt of the 2^nd respondent to revise the settled timings on the route Kalathukkadavu – Chotti – Pala in respect of SC KL 35 M 8851 while issuing the granted regular permit.

ii. issue a writ of certiorari or such other writs, orders or directions directing the Secretary, RTA, Kottayam not to revise the settled timings for the purpose issuing the granted regular permit on the route Kalathukkadavu-Chotti-Pala in respect of SC KL 35 M 8851 by considering Ext.P5 objection (sic).

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader. In the nature of the order I propose to pass, notice to the 2^nd respondent is dispensed with.

4. In the facts and circumstances of the case, there will be a direction to the 1^st respondent to consider Ext.P6 objection of the petitioner, preferred against the revision of timings of the 2^nd respondent in respect of her stage carriage SC KL 35 M 8851 in the timing conference scheduled on 21.05.2026 or on any adjourned date.