The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has issued directions to ensure the safety and comfort of women commuters using public transport. The Court directed authorities to strictly identify and reserve specified seats for women in buses.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the order on August 10, 2026, in a public interest litigation.
The Court directed the Transport Commissioner to ensure that seats 1 to 12 in large buses and seats 1 to 9 in mini buses are properly identified and reserved for women. These seats must prominently carry the words “Reserved for Ladies.”
The Court further directed the J&K Legal Services Authority to conduct awareness programmes for drivers and helpers regarding their responsibility to ensure that women get their earmarked seats. Awareness about the relevant transport circular is also to be created through print and electronic media.
The Department of Transport and Traffic Police were directed to jointly establish a mechanism for women commuters to lodge complaints and obtain redressal.
The Court ordered the authorities to take immediate steps and submit a compliance report on the next hearing date.
The matter has been listed for October 6, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Monisa Manzoor Mir v. Union Territory of J&K & Others
Case Number: WP(C)PIL 1/2026
Judges: Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani
Decision Date: August 10, 2026
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