Kochi: The Kerala High Court has sharply criticized the Transport Department for transferring a KSRTC driver over an incident involving a plastic bottle placed inside a bus, calling the action “shocking to the conscience.” The observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by driver Jaymon Joseph challenging the transfer order.
Justice N. Nagaresh questioned the logic behind the disciplinary measure, noting that finding a bottle in front of a bus cannot justify punitive action. “Isn’t it water in the bottle? Isn’t it alcohol? Where else would the water bottle be kept?” the court remarked, emphasizing the need for a valid and rational basis before transferring officials. The court also highlighted that disciplinary action should be reserved for genuine administrative or behavioral violations, not minor incidents blown out of proportion.
The incident gained prominence due to the direct involvement of Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, who reportedly stopped the KSRTC bus on a public road, prompting the transfer of the driver. The High Court observed that such ministerial interference could constitute an overreach of authority and potentially violate the Motor Vehicles Act. Advocate Kodayil, representing Jaymon Joseph, described the minister’s intervention as an excessive exercise of power.
The court also drew attention to the broader issue of work culture in the KSRTC, noting that unclean buses reflect systemic deficiencies in management. During arguments, the bench questioned whether transfer should automatically follow minor disciplinary issues, suggesting that the punitive measure in this case was disproportionate.
Jaymon Joseph’s counsel explained that the driver was operating a long-distance route from Ponkunnam to Thiruvananthapuram, which takes roughly eight hours. To ensure passenger comfort and allow access to drinking water without unnecessary stops, two bottles were kept near the cabin. Counsel for the Transport Department countered that bottles and bags should not be placed near the front glass, citing KSRTC circulars, but these rules apply only to Super Deluxe services, not regular fast passenger buses.
The High Court adjourned the matter for judgment, signaling that the decision could have wider implications on administrative discipline and ministerial conduct in public transport.
In essence, the bench’s observations underscored a principle that resonates beyond this single case: administrative actions must be proportional, reasoned, and free from arbitrary or politically motivated interference.