CENTRE FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Though in the Original Petition filed, there is a grievance with regard to the hike in the fare by the stage carriage operators, but at the time of hearing of this Original Petition, learned counsel for the petitioner very fairly submits, if this Court issues a direction to the State and its authorities to insist upon the stage carriage operators to file the Forms and Returns, as required under R.158 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, he would be satisfied.

(2.) The learned Government Pleader submits that sufficient instructions in this regard has already been issued by the State Government to the Regional Transport Authorities and its officers. Therefore, the learned Government Pleader submits that, the State Government would not mind to issue one more circular/instruction to the authorities manning the Act, to insist on the stage carriage operators to file the Forms and Returns as required under the provisions of R.158 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules.

(3.) However, the learned counsel appearing for the 4th respondent - Bus Operators Federation , though in the beginning has stated that he has no instruction in the case, but thereafter states that there is no obligation on the part of the stage carriage operators to file any Returns either under the provisions of R.158 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Act or under any other provisions of the said Rules. We do not intend to comment on the statement so made by the learned counsel for the 4th respondent - Federation, for the reason it may not be necessary for disposal of this petition.