Nagpur High Court Directs MSRTC to Maintain Interstate Bus Parking Arrangements
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has issued a significant ruling, directing the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to continue permitting interstate bus operators from Madhya Pradesh to park their vehicles at state-run bus stations. This decision provides crucial relief to transporters amid ongoing delays in revising a longstanding bilateral agreement between the two states.
Court Upholds 2016 Interim Arrangement
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta ruled that the existing interim arrangement, first established in 2016, will remain in effect until the current Reciprocal Transport Agreement dated March 1, 2007, is either formally amended or replaced. The court explicitly stated that "the interim arrangement shall continue to operate" until a revised framework comes into force.
Background of the Legal Challenge
The petitions were filed by eight bus operators from Chhindwara district in Madhya Pradesh, including Yusuf Khan and others. All petitioners hold valid interstate permits under Section 88(5) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. They argued that despite the bilateral agreement granting operational and facility access in Maharashtra, MSRTC had been denying them parking at bus depots, which significantly disrupted their services and passenger convenience.
The court noted that its earlier order from May 2, 2016, had already directed MSRTC to permit such parking "in obedience to obligation cast upon them" under the agreement. Since that ruling, the arrangement has continued without interruption, demonstrating its practical viability.
Proposed Amendments and Status Quo
During proceedings, MSRTC submitted that amendments to specific clauses of the 2007 agreement have been proposed. The corporation suggested maintaining the status quo until these changes are formalized under statutory provisions. The petitioners concurred with this approach, seeking continuation of the interim relief until a new or modified agreement is implemented.
Future Operations and Final Disposition
In disposing of the petitions, the court provided important clarification regarding future operations. The bench ruled that once a revised or fresh agreement between Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh is established, all operations will be governed strictly by its terms. This ensures that while current services continue uninterrupted, future arrangements will align with updated bilateral understandings.
The court's decision emphasizes the importance of honoring existing agreements while formal revisions are pending, balancing the needs of interstate transport operators with regulatory processes. This ruling maintains essential transportation links between the two states, supporting both commercial interests and passenger convenience during the transition period.
