The Kerala High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the State’s Priyadarshini Bus Scheme, which provides free travel facilities to women in ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. delivered the judgment on August 18, 2026, holding that the allegations regarding overcrowding and bus accidents were not supported by sufficient material.
Background
The petitioners alleged that overcrowding in buses operating under the scheme had resulted in accidents. The court noted, however, that the material placed before it did not establish that the alleged accidents occurred because of overcrowding.
The petition included copies of several online news reports concerning accidents, along with other documents.
The Bench described the litigation as “speculative” and said it was intended to derail the Priyadarshini Bus Scheme.
The court observed that an accident “may not necessarily have occurred due to overcrowding” and found no corroborative material connecting the alleged accidents with the scheme.
The High Court dismissed WP(PIL) No. 170 of 2026. At the same time, it directed the Kerala Government to ensure that the safety of passengers travelling in the buses is adequately safeguarded.
Case Details:
Case Title: Akhila P.R. & Anr. v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Case Number: WP(PIL) No. 170 of 2026
Judge: Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: August 18, 2026
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