Kerala High Court Allows KSRTC An Extension In Time To Install Tracking System, Emergency Buttons In Public Vehicles

A Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Dr Kauser Edappagath allowed the request, giving the KSRTC time till June 30, 2021, to enforce the Court's Order from November 23.

"Even though the judgment restricts the parties from asking further time, we are of the view that taking note of the Covid – 19 pandemic, some indulgence need to be shown. In fact, Sri.Praveen K.Joy, learned counsel for the writ petitioner also does not oppose the request for extension.", the Court observes in its order.

The petition, filed by activist Jaffer Khan through his counsel Advocate Praveen K Joy, sought the installation of tehse devices in vehicles in the interests of safety for women and children. Khan's petition referenced a directive of a Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to State Governments directing the installation of these devices. This directive in its turn was made in the backdrop of the Nirbhaya Gangrape, which took place aboard a bus. A similar petition was also moved by an NGO, Pouravakasha Samrakshana Samiti.

Disposing of the petitions in November, a Division Bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly had noted that there was a duty cast upon the State to install the devices, relying on the Union Cabinet Committee's directions as also amendments to the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules.

"Having regard to ... safety of the commuters, in particular, women and children, and taking note of the periodical orders issued by the Government of Kerala, a duty is cast upon them to implement the rule and the notifications, without any further delay," the Court had ordered then.

Click here to download the order