The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has stopped operating three buses between KSRTC bus stand, Bejai and Ammembala on the outskrits of the city following an order from the High Court of Karnataka.
It was operating the buses on a temporary permit granted by the Regional Transport Authority since August as there was demand for the same.
The services were withdrawn on Tuesday following the order of the court on September 26, officials said.
A private bus operator filed a petition before the High Court questioning the grant of temporary permit when two private buses were operating on the route. The High Court upheld the contention of the bus operator and cancelled the temporary permit.
It directed the Regional Transport Authority to call a meeting forthwith and make alternate arrangements to avoid inconvenience to commuters.
Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners’ Association president Aziz Parthpady said two private buses on the State Bank of India-Rehmatnagar route will serve Ammembala. The association is yet to receive intimation from the RTA on the meeting to discuss the issue.
Objection from BJP
Meanwhile, the Mangaluru Assembly unit of the BJP has objected to the KSRTC for withdrawing the service. In a statement, president of the unit Santosh Kumar Boliyar said on Thursday that the government should restore the services in the next two days or face a protest.
At a meeting on Thursday evening, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader asked KSRTC officials to file an appeal against the September 26 order of the High Court. He said the KSRTC bus service to the area was started following demand by residents.