Madras High Court Dismisses PIL Against TNSTC Bus Stops at Highway Motels
The Madras High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a man seeking to prevent Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses from stopping at motels on highways. The court issued a stern warning to the petitioner against filing such petitions in the future.
Petitioner's Allegations and Court Hearing
The PIL was filed by A M Sundaravel, who appeared as a party-in-person. He alleged that TNSTC bus drivers and conductors were halting buses at motels on routes from Trichy to Madurai and Madurai to Tirunelveli solely to receive free food. Sundaravel claimed that these unscheduled stops caused mental agony to passengers, prompting him to approach the court for intervention.
Court's Observations and Ruling
A division bench comprising Justice G Jayachandran and Justice K K Ramakrishnan reviewed the case and found no merit in the petition. The judges observed that on long-distance routes, it is common practice for buses to make stops to allow passengers and crew members to take breaks. These halts serve essential purposes such as:
- Providing relief from fatigue
- Enabling snacks or meals of personal choice
- Facilitating restroom breaks for nature's calls
The court emphasized that the larger interest of passengers is paramount, and such stops are necessary for comfort and safety during extended journeys.
Rebuke of Petitioner's Claims
The bench strongly condemned the petitioner's allegation that motel managements were providing free food to crew members to incentivize bus stops. Describing this claim as mischievous and condemnable, the judges stated they were not inclined to entertain the petition. Consequently, the PIL was dismissed outright.
Warning Against Future Litigation
In a significant move, the Madras High Court warned Sundaravel not to file public interest litigations of this nature in the future. The judges made it clear that if he continues to submit such petitions, he could be prohibited from filing any PILs going forward. This warning underscores the court's stance on frivolous or unsubstantiated cases that waste judicial time and resources.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary's focus on substantive public interest matters while safeguarding the operational necessities of public transport systems.
