CJ for action against buses without proper route permits
Times of India | 19 April 2024
Kolkata: Multiple buses are operating in the Babughat area without proper route permits. Despite the Calcutta High Court’s directive, these buses are only being issued show cause notices and fines before being released, much to the annoyance of the Chief Justice’s Division Bench.
Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam observed that merely issuing show cause notices is insufficient, and action must be taken against these buses, including the cancellation of their licences if necessary.
The Chief Justice inquired whether the transport department had issued any notification regarding the installation of GPS devices in buses and requested the court to be informed about this matter. “Even local buses in other states have fans installed. Come to my state, and you will see the condition of bus services here,” he said.
He further added, “If buses continue to operate illegally like this, anyone can start plying on any road, carrying 10 to 20 passengers at a time!”
Following the HC’s directive, a committee was formed comprising the secretary of the state transport department and the deputy commissioner of traffic. They have submitted a report stating that 74 individuals have been issued show cause notices. The Chief Justice questioned why the report does not mention the steps taken against these individuals after issuing the show cause notices.