Akhila P.R. vs State Of Kerala

Dated this the 18^th day of August, 2026 Soumen Sen, C.J.

We have heard Mr. K.P. Satheesan, learned Senior Advocate instructed by Mr. Sabu Pullan, learned counsel for the petitioners, Mr. B.S. Swathi Kumar, learned Standing Counsel for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and Ms. O.A. Nuriya, learned Senior Government Pleader.

This is a speculative litigation intended to derail the Priyadarshini Bus Scheme introduced by the Government of Kerala to provide free travel facilities to women. It is alleged that, owing to overcrowding, the vehicles operated under the scheme have met with accidents.

This is not corroborated by any document. The accident may not necessarily have occurred due to overcrowding. In the absence of any corroborative material to substantiate the allegation that the bus accident occurred on account of overcrowding, we do not find any reason to entertain this Public 4 Interest Litigation (PIL).

This writ petition is accordingly dismissed. However, the Government must ensure that the safety of passengers travelling in the buses is adequately safeguarded.

Sd/-Soumen Sen Chief Justice Sd/-Syam Kumar V.M.

Judge vpv 5

Exhibit -P1 TRUE COPY OF THE NEWS SHOWING THE ACCIDENTS

07-2026 Exhibit -P2 TRUE COPY OF THE NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED KERALA

Exhibit -P3 TRUE COPY OF THE NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED IN

Exhibit -P4 TRUE COPY OF THE NEWS ITEM PUBLISHED IN THE

Exhibit -P5 TRUE COPY OF THE REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED BY THE 1ST PETITIONER TO THE HON’BLE TRANSPORT

5-08-2026 (ALONG WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION) Exhibit -P6 TRUE COPY OF THE REPLY GIVEN BY THE STATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, KSRTC AS PIO NO. 0635/2026 DATED 3-7-2026 (ALONG WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION)