Flagpoles, flex boards and whatnot? KSRTC faces High Court's wrath

KOCHI: The High Court expressed deep dissatisfaction with the flagpoles and flex boards filling KSRTC depots in Kerala. The court made a cynical comment, asking whether it was a place destined to serve the public or not. Justice Devan Ramachandran opined that the passengers are stripped of their limited rights. The government should give an explanation within a week regarding the removal of the boards.

The court had issued an order banning unauthorised boards and banners in public places. Amicus curiae Harish Vasudevan brought the issue of illegal flex boards in the KSRTC depot to the court's attention. The report also included pictures of the depots in Ernakulam, Nilambur, Neyyattinkara, Kilimanoor, Karunagappally and Punalur. The court assessed that the banners were placed in a way that caused inconvenience to the people.

The court blamed KSRTC for its inefficiency in providing a clean environment for the people. Local body officials are not allowed to enter the depots to remove the illegal flex boards.

"The owner of KSRTC may be the government, but the owner of the government is the people," the court said in a sly mention.

Transport Minister K.B. Ganeshkumar, who welcomed the order banning unauthorised boards, agreed to comply with the order. The court said that the employees should see the minister's opinion as a wake-up call.

The lawyer who appeared for KSRTC explained that the flag hoisting was part of a referendum by trade unions. While responding, the court said that how trade unions work was not a concern of the people and even reminded the trade unions on how the court saved KSRTC from liquidation.