HC seeks action plan on goods vehicles ferrying workers

The Karnataka High Court has asked the state government to submit a comprehensive action plan on the goods vehicles ferrying people, including women and children, by June 3.

A division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice L Narayana Swamy and Justice Dinesh Kumar, also expressed deep concern and anguish on the issue and asked the state to take up the matter on top priority.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), which had moved the court seeking directions to the state to take necessary action to stop the use of goods vehicles to transport people.

The petitioner had contended that serious danger is being posed to the life of women, children and workers, who are transported in over-crowded goods vehicles, a practice prevalent in several districts of the state. The petitioner had also sought directions to the state to ensure the provision
of adequate, affordable
and safe public transportation to children, women, workers and other vulnerable sections of the society across the state.

Following the court’s directions in the last hearing, the Labour Commissioner, Transport and Road Safety Commissioner and the Additional Deputy General of Police (Crime and Technical Services wing) were present in the court.

The government counsel submitted that the police had booked 28,914 cases in the last year Of which, 986 are repeat offenders, this year.

The advocate general assured the court that the matter will be taken up on top priority and an immediate plan of action will be prepared and the same will be presented to the court for further directions in this regard.

The court also observed that the matter has to be addressed on top priority as it borders on the violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Protection of life and personal liberty), particularly of the labour force. The court also orally observed that the state has to take action against the offenders failing which it will consider initiating action against the offenders.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case to June 3.