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The Kerala High Court is seeking clarification from the state regarding a circular allegedly exempting public buses from road safety standards

The Kerala High Court is seeking clarification from the state regarding a circular allegedly exempting public buses from road safety standards

The Kerala High Court has sought directions from the state government regarding the circular dated December 28, 2024, which purports to exempt KSRTC buses from compliance with road safety standards.

Division bench Justice Anil K.Arendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. orally he said: “We need the circumstances in which the government order was made. “

The court sought instructions from the learned standing counsel KSRTC and special government letters regarding the dual arrangement of ‘Munnar Royal View’ bus by KSRTC launched for tourist purposes in Munnar which is equipped with multi-color LED lights. The court also sought instructions regarding the KSRTC bus operating on Sabarimala Road with headlights on only one side at night.

The court viewed visuals of the above buses which openly flouted the safety standards outlined in AIS-008 (Installation Requirements of Lighting and Light Signaling Devices for Motor Vehicles) as well as violating the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

The court stated thus “The learned standing counsel for KSRTC seeks time to file an affidavit with specific reference to KSRTC buses. The learned Standing Counsel has produced in this Court the Government Order dated 28/12/2024 wherein the Government has granted exemption by invoking the provisions under Kerala Motor Vehicles Rule 334 for installing multilingual LED lights in the passenger compartment and also On the side window windows and also on peg in KSRTC Double Decker Buses…. A learned government would state that a copy of this order will be recorded with the declaration. The learned special government pleading seeks time to obtain instructions with particular reference to the above-mentioned government order. Learned special government adjournment letter to resolve arguments regarding exemption granted to KSRTC by government procurement with special reference to safety standards in AIS 008 as well as regulations under Central Motor Vehicle Rules. “

The Court considered the issues of extensively modified contract carriages and stage carriages equipped with unauthorized lights and light-signalling devices, striking down the safety standards in AIS-008, and unauthorized exhaust systems emitting fumes, thick smoke and loud noise that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate road safety standards that violate safety standards Dear .

The court noted that extensive modifications to vehicles endanger the driver’s vision, as well as the vision of the driver of a vehicle coming from the opposite side of the road. The court noted that such extensive colored lights and modifications would endanger the lives of the public and pose a threat to road safety.

Earlier, the bench had given various rulings tips for road safety and compliance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, especially relating to contract carriages during the Sabarimala season. It has also previously taken action against motor vehicle owners who use heavily modified vehicles and Vloggers who promote and upload such videos on YouTube.

The case has been listed for further hearing on January 31.

Case Title: Suo Motu V Union of India represented by Secretary (Road, Transport and Highways) and Connected Case

Case number: WP (C) 25158/2024 and Connected Case