The Kerala High Court has ruled that the free travel concession for women introduced by the UDF government is a fulfilment of its election promise. A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M observed that the scheme is a policy decision aimed at supporting working-class women.
Court's Observation
The bench noted that the concession was a commitment made by the UDF during the elections and implementing it fulfills that promise. The court emphasized that it is a policy decision of the government, designed to benefit working women by reducing their transportation costs.
Background
The free travel scheme allows women to travel for free on state-run buses. The government argued that it helps women, especially those from low-income backgrounds, to commute to work and other essential activities. The court found no reason to interfere with the policy, stating it is a welfare measure.
The judgment was delivered on 18 June 2026, and the court dismissed petitions challenging the scheme. The bench clarified that such policy decisions fall within the domain of the government and are not subject to judicial review unless they violate fundamental rights.
