Kochi: Don’t discriminate against students, HC tells bus crew

Kochi: The high court has directed private bus operators in the state not to discriminate against students travelling at concessional rates.

The court also directed the regional transport officers and the police to ensure that students enjoying concession are allowed to sit in vacant seats in buses.

The court made these remarks while considering a petition filed by the All-Kerala Bus Operators’ Organisation seeking the help of the court to declare that private bus operators do not have any obligation to provide concessional rates to students. The court had issued an interim order a week ago directing the RTOs to submit a report on the allegations that students were not allowed to sit though seats remained vacant.

The court also suggested that enforcement officers and police should conduct surprise checks to ensure that discrimination does not take place against students. In case of such practices, action should be taken against the erring staff.

The case was posted for further hearing as the government counsel sought more time to submit reports after holding a probe into the matter.