Ensure Completion Of Project For Installing Panic Buttons, Tracking System In DTC And Cluster Buses: High Court To Delhi Govt

The High Court has directed Delhi Government to ensure completion of its project for installing panic buttons and Automatic Vehicle Location Tracking System (AVLTS) in all DTC and cluster buses plying in the national capital.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad said that the task must be completed within a time-frame which has been decided as per the terms and conditions of the agreement executed between the Delhi Government and contractor.

The court passed the direction while disposing of a public interest litigation filed in 2019 seeking direction for making arrangements for protection of travellers in the buses from crimes like snatching, theft and eve teasing.

It had also sought a direction for installation of CCTV cameras in all DTC buses and devices for detecting the location of buses to ensure timely action against "unsocial elements and criminals".

The court noted that a "detailed and exhaustive counter affidavit" has been filed by Delhi government's Transport Department stating that tenders were issued for installation of CCTV and GPS in existing DTC and cluster buses. The response also stated that a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) was also issued in favour of a bidder in December 2019.

As per the agreement executed between Delhi Government and the contractor, the project is being implemented in all existing 3762 DTC and 1679 cluster buses, totalling to 5541 buses.

"It has also been stated that installations include panic buttons and Automatic Vehicle Location Tracking System (AVLTS) in existing DTC and cluster buses. However, at present, all buses have not been equipped with such system as the project got delayed on account of outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic," the court noted.

The response also stated that all new buses being inducted under the cluster scheme are equipped with CCTV, panic buttons and vehicle tracking system.

The court was also informed by the Delhi Government that there is no discrimination in selection of female conductors and marshals for DTC and cluster buses, which is being done by issuing proper advertisements as per the applicable recruitment rules.

"In light of the detailed and exhaustive counter affidavit filed by the Transport Department, GNCTD, no further orders are required to be passed in the instant petition," the bench said.

Title: ANTI-CORRUPTION COUNCIL OF INDIA THROUGH ITS AUTHORISED SIGNATORY MOHD KAMRAN KHAN v. STATE & ORS.

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Del) 1155

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