GRACY THOMAS Vs. THE REGIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner has filed this writ petition challenging Ext.P3 order passed by the 1st respondent, whereby permit of the petitioner in respect of HGV Tipper Lorry bearing No.KL -03/T 8468 is suspended for a period of six months w.e.f. 5.2.2016.

(2.) Material facts for the disposal of the writ petition are thus; petitioner is a registered owner of heavy goods vehicle bearing registration No.KL -03/ T 8468. Petitioner was served with Ext.P1 notice dated 16.1.2016 from the office of the 2nd respondent informing her that a meeting of the 1st respondent is scheduled to be held on 29.01.2016 at 10.30 a.m. at the Collectorate Conference Hall, Pathanamthitta. It was also informed that, in the said meeting the 1st respondent would take a decision with regard to the action to be taken in respect of the check report issued to the petitioner's vehicle on 8.8.2015. Petitioner was directed to appear in person or through any person duly authorised by her to furnish her explanation, evident from Ext.P1.

(3.) On 29.01.2016, according to the petitioner, she was duly present at the notified place and time. However, it was informed that, the meeting of the 1st respondent scheduled to be held on that day stands deferred and that she would be duly informed in due course with respect to the date and venue of the deferred meeting. According to the petitioner, thereafter, there was no intimation from the side of the respondents for more than a week. Therefore, petitioner enquired in writing to the office of the 2nd respondent as per Ext.P2 as to the probable date of the next meeting of the 1st respondent. It also contended that there was no reply from the 2nd respondent to Ext.P2. According to the petitioner, the election to the State Legislature was notified and petitioner thought that meeting of the Transport Authority in the State including the 1st respondent would be held only after the scheduled polls. Therefore, petitioner did not make any further enquiries in the matter.