RANCHI BUS OWNERS ASSOCIATION Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ application has been filed by the Ranchi Bus Owners Association challenging the notification dated 30.8.1999 issued by the Secretary -cum -State Transport Commissioner fixing the compensation/charge for the buses engaged during 1999 Parliamentary Election.

(2.) THE buses of the members of the petitioner -Association were requisitioned for the purposes of Parliamentary Election. The Secretary -cum -State Transport Commissioner issued the impugned letter dated 30.8.1999 fixing the charges for the buses at the rate of Rs. 442/ - per day per bus in respect of those buses which have the capacity of 50 seats or more.

(3.) IN the counter affidavit filed by respondent No. 2, the State Transport Commissioner, it is stated that the rates for the passenger buses have been determined with an intention that the bus owners should not charge fare in excess of that from the passengers. The rates determined for the vehicles requisitioned in the election is inclusive of fuel, lubricants etc. and is meant to compensate the vehicle owners for its placement during election.