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Kerala High Court Reserves Verdict In PIL Against Free Bus Travel For ... 18 Jun 2026 5:11 PM IST The Kerala High Court on Thursday (18 June) reserved its orders in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of the State Government's recently launched "Priyadarshini Scheme," which provides free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. The Division Bench comprisingChief Justice Soumen SenandJustice Syam Kumar V.Mafter hearing both the sides, reserved its verdict. The petitioner argued that the scheme violates the constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. It was argued that the benefit is available regardless of economic status, allowing affluent women to travel free while economically weaker male passengers continue to pay fares. The Court however orally asked during the hearing, The petitioner then argued that Article 15(3), which permits special provisions for women and children, cannot be invoked to justify a blanket subsidy for all women without identifying a specific disadvantage or welfare objective. “The who…

PIL challenging free travel for women in KSRTC ordinary buses: High Court reserves matter for orders The petitioner contended that no study was conducted before rolling out the scheme that is aimed at making available free travel for women

Kerala HC dismisses PIL challenging free travel for women, transgender persons in KSRTC ordinary buses The Court observed that there was nothing in the plea to prove that a Government Order that had been issued with regard to the free travel scheme, was illegal

Equality, financial viability: Plea in HC against KSRTC's free travel scheme ... Onmanorama Staff Published: June 15, 2026 10:54 PM ISTUpdated: June 15, 2026 11:17 PM IST 2 minuteRead A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed at the Kerala High Court challenging the state government's 'Priyadarshini' scheme, which offers free travel for women and transgender individuals on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. The petition argues that the scheme violates the right to equality by creating arbitrary classifications based on gender, as it offers benefits irrespective of income and excludes those using private buses. Concerns are raised regarding the significant financial burden the scheme may place on KSRTC and the state exchequer, with allegations that the policy was implemented without proper impact assessments or stakeholder consultation, potentially driven by electoral promises. Link Copied A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the Kerala Government's newly launched ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme, which provides free travel for women and transgender persons on Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSR…

PIL challenges Kerala's free bus travel scheme for women Thiruvananthapuram | A PIL was filed before the Kerala High Court on Monday challenging the state government's newly launched Priyadarshini Scheme, which offers free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary KSRTC buses. The petition was filed by Muhammed Firdouz, who described himself as a public-spirited citizen and taxpayer. He challenged the government order dated June 11, 2026, arguing that the scheme is "arbitrary, discriminatory and violative of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution". According to the plea, the scheme provides free bus travel without any income limit, residential qualification or identified disadvantage that it seeks to address. The petitioner claimed that it would cost the public exchequer around Rs 2 crore a day, or about Rs 800 crore annually. The PIL also questioned the speed with which the policy was approved. It stated that the decision was taken on May 18, 2026, the same day the new government assumed office, and alleged that no policy study, needs assessment, or financial sustainability analysis had been carried out before the announcement. The petition further argued that t…

PIL Filed In Kerala High Court Challenging KSRTC's Free Bus Travel ... 15 Jun 2026 5:27 PM IST A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the State Government's newly launched scheme granting free travel to women and transgender persons in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses.The petition, filed by the Centre for Consumer Education, Pala, seeks review of Government Order, which introduced the "Priyadarshini" scheme under... Your support helps us to bring you more content atan affordable subscription scheme !!!All payment options available Anamika MJ is a Correspondent with LiveLaw, covering Kerala High Court

PIL in Kerala HC challenges free travel scheme for women on KSTRC buses India June 15, 2026 WOL A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court, challenging the ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme on ordinary buses of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for women and transgender persons launched by the State government on June 15, 2026. The petition alleges that the scheme violates the right to equality and the right against discrimination as envisioned in the Constitution. It stated that there were no income criteria or residential qualification, and the scheme remedied no specific disadvantage. Further, it costs the public exchequer approximately ₹2 crore every day or ₹800 crore a year, it said. The petition sought that the scheme be declared as unconstitutional, or alternatively, issue directions to the State to undertake a comprehensive financial and social impact assessment for the purpose of reconsidering the scheme. It also asked the court to direct the State to disclose the estimated annual financial liability for the scheme, the source of funds, and its projected impact on the KSRTC. Published – June 15, 2026 09:46 pm IST Sou…

PIL filed in Kerala High Court challenging KSRTC's free bus travel ... A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the state government’s ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary services. Filed by Kochi resident Mohammed Firdous, the PIL argues that the programme is arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of the right to equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. It seeks the immediate suspension of the initiative and a declaration that it is unconstitutional. Advertisement The petitioner contends that the scheme, which was rolled out on June 15, imposes a massive and arbitrary financial burden on the state exchequer. It is estimated to cost nearly Rs 2 crore per day and about Rs 800 crore annually. Advertisement The plea claims that the government implemented the initiative merely as an election promise without conducting proper financial impact assessments or policy studies. According to the petition, providing benefits solely on the basis of gender, without any financial criteria or residency qualifications, violates the principles of equality and non-discrimina…

PIL challenges Kerala's free bus travel scheme for women, transgender ... Thiruvananthapuram | A PIL was filed before the Kerala High Court on Monday challenging the state government's newly launched Priyadarshini Scheme, which offers free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary KSRTC buses. The petition was filed by Muhammed Firdouz, who described himself as a public-spirited citizen and taxpayer. He challenged the government order dated June 11, 2026, arguing that the scheme is "arbitrary, discriminatory and violative of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution". According to the plea, the scheme provides free bus travel without any income limit, residential qualification or identified disadvantage that it seeks to address. The petitioner claimed that it would cost the public exchequer around Rs 2 crore a day, or about Rs 800 crore annually. The PIL also questioned the speed with which the policy was approved. It stated that the decision was taken on May 18, 2026, the same day the new government assumed office, and alleged that no policy study, needs assessment, or financial sustainability analysis had been carried out before the announcement. The petition furt…