Madras HC issues notice to TN Government on PIL for panel to look into transport corporaton loss

The Madras High Court today ordered notice to the Tamil Nadu government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking constitution of a judicial commission to look into the alleged mismanagement of state transport corporations that has led to a huge financial loss.

A division bench of Justices Sathyanarayana and Hemalatha directed Transport Secretary PWC Davidar to file before March 7, his affidavit on a petition by one KK Ramesh.

The petitioner alleged that the loss suffered by the transport corporations was due to mismanagement.

He also urged the court to stay the bus fare hike and appoint an efficient IAS officer to manage the affairs of the transport corporations.

The bus fare was increased by 100 per cent, seriously affecting the poor and weaker sections, he claimed.

The price of essential commodities has also increased following this, he alleged.

On January 19, the state government had increased the prices of tickets of buses operated by transport corporations by about 20 to 54.54 per cent, drawing criticism from various quarters.

The decision came after the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation workers, owing allegiance to 17 trade unions, including those affiliated to the DMK and the Left parties, had launched a stir on January 4 after talks with it over wage revision failed. 

However, the workers withdrew their strike on January 11 after the Madras High Court appointed an arbitrator to settle their wage-related dispute with the government.

Following protests by the opposition parties and the public, especially students, over the "steep" hike, the government had on January 28 revised the bus fares marginally.