Kerala: HC stays government's order to provide school buses for Nava Kerala Sadas

The High Court has upheld the Director of Public Education's order to release school buses for the Nava Kerala Sadas. The court emphasized that school buses are primarily designated for the safety and transportation of children.

Kochi: The High Court has upheld the Director of Public Education's order to release school buses for the Nava Kerala Sadas. Justice Devan Ramachandran ordered that the bus should not be released without court permission. The court has instructed the government to provide clarification on whether the Motor Vehicles Act permits the use of school buses for public transport purposes.

The Director of Public Education issued a circular requesting the organizers of the Nava Kerala Sadas to relinquish the use of school buses from November 18 to December 23. In response, the court has upheld this directive, raising questions about the organizing committee's authority and whether such a demand aligns with the public interest. The court emphasized that school buses are primarily designated for the safety and transportation of children.

In an interim order, the court has called for clarification from the government regarding whether the law mandates the use of school buses for transporting senior passengers or for non-educational purposes. Justice Devan Ramachandran clarified that a decision on releasing the buses can only be made after this legal aspect is adequately explained.

A parent from Kasaragod approached the court questioning the circular. The court was told that the proposal to release the bus on working days would affect the functioning of the school and the Motor Vehicle Rules stipulate that school buses can only be used for educational purposes. The petitioner also argued that the order to release the bus was illegal. The court will hear the plea again on November 27.