High Court stays order to release school bus for Navakerala Sadas
Kochi: HC stay on Director of Public Education’s order to release school buses for Nava Kerala Yatra Justice Devan Ramachandran ordered that the bus should not be released without the permission of the court and to clarify whether the Motor Vehicle Act allows school buses to be used for public travel.
In the circular issued by the director of public education to the aided school managers and other school authorities, it was suggested that school buses should be provided as part of the Navakerala Sadas from November 18 to December 23.
But Philip Joseph, a native of Kasaragod, approached the High Court pointing out that this circular was illegal. The petition also pointed out that using the school bus for other purposes and carrying people is a violation of the permit rules under the Motor Vehicle Act. Accepting this argument, Justice Devan Ramachandran ordered that the school bus should not be released to the Navakerala Sadas until further order.
School buses are for the safety and travel of children. Does the law require it to be used to carry senior passengers or for non-educational purposes? The High Court has also asked the government to submit a clear reply in this regard. Justice Devan Ramachandran also clarified that only after this is explained, it can be decided whether the buses can be released.
