If this situation continues, it will have to be shut down, KSRTC tells SC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC approached the Supreme Court against the action of oil companies charging more than the market price for diesel. The plea was filed in the Supreme Court after the division bench quashed the order of the single bench of the high court in favour of KSRTC. The high court which upheld the higher rate has asked to stay the verdict as soon as possible. The plea also stated that KSRTC would have to be shut down if the status quo continues.

KSRTC provides travel facilities to the public even on non-profit routes. KSRTC buys diesel at Rs 20 more per litre than the market price. However, private buses in Kerala get diesel at market price. Lawyer Deepak Prakash filed an appeal in the Supreme Court for KSRTC.

The division bench had on May 6 quashed the interim order of the single bench of the high court directing KSRTC to pay diesel at market price. The verdict of Justice C S Dias and Justice Basant Balaji was on the plea of Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum.

The interim order was issued on April 13 to supply diesel at market price on a plea filed by KSRTC against the oil companies charging higher prices due to major customers. The oil companies had earlier pointed out that this demand had been rejected by the Supreme Court.