The Kerala High Court on Monday (22 June) dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the State government's Priyadarshini Scheme, which offers free travel to women and transgender persons in ordinary KSRTC buses.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Muhammed Firdouz, who questioned the constitutional validity of the scheme. He argued that the benefit was available to all women regardless of income and imposed a significant financial burden on the State. The petitioner claimed the scheme violated the principles of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.
It was also argued that the government introduced the scheme without conducting a detailed policy study or financial impact assessment.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. found no material to show that the Government Order introducing the scheme was illegal or contrary to statutory provisions.
The Court observed, ‘
There is nothing before us that the Government Order is contrary to statutory norms or is perverse or illegal.’”
The State defended the scheme by citing similar initiatives in several other States and stated that it was intended to promote women's empowerment and mobility.
Holding that no legal infirmity had been established, the High Court dismissed the PIL and upheld the Priyadarshini Scheme.
(Detailed order awaited)
Case Details
Case Title: Muhammed Firdouz v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Case Number: WP(PIL) No. 122 of 2026
Judges: Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: June 22, 2026
