Even as the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) cracks the whip on contract carriages that operate in the guise of stage carriers, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses openly flout rules and safety standards by holding trips to Sabarimala with decorated buses.
This is in violation of a High Court order and safety standards prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Act. The High Court, in an order dated November 15, held that such decorated vehicles cannot be permitted to be used in public places for carrying Sabarimala pilgrims or any other passengers.
Acting on a plea, the court had issued the direction after the standing counsel for KSRTC acknowledged that the vehicle in question (decorated with garlands and sandal paste) was operated from Attingal depot to Pamba. The counsel then submitted that such practice was being followed in some other depots across the State as well.
