The Bombay High Court on Monday reprimanded the State government for not complying with norms for school buses, and allowing buses with capacity to carry more than 14 people to operate.
The court has asked the State how many school buses ply without required permits, and directed it to file a detailed affidavit in this matter.
A Division Bench of Justices Naresh Patil and Nitin Sambre was hearing a public interest litigation filed by the Parents Teachers Association United Forum.
The forum has complained about the failure to implement the Common Standard Agreement (CSA) that the respective school authorities and PTAs enter into with school bus operators.
As part of the CSA, every school must establish a committee to ensure safe transportation, and decide aspects like transportation fees and bus stops. The committee verifies documents pertaining to the vehicle, such as registration, fitness, PUC and insurance certificates, driving licence, firefighting equipment and first aid facilities.
Parents Teachers Association United Forum’s lawyer Rama Subramanian told the court that there are blatant violations of and contradictions with the Motor Vehicles Act, and that rules are not being enforced.
