High Court bans advertisements on KSRTC buses; demand of tourist bus owners also rejected

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ordered that there should be no advertisements on KSRTC buses. The court held that the advertisements were against safety norms and that additional fittings in buses could not be allowed. Stating that there is no difference between public and private sectors in safety standards, the court directed that illegal sound systems and lights should be removed from tourist buses.

The court also rejected the demand of the tourist bus owners seeking more time to comply with the uniform colour code. The court directed that all tourist buses must be inspected within three days. Asking the bus owners to cooperate with the inspection, the court directed the motor vehicle department to take strict action against violations. Bus owners who do not cooperate will have to face contempt of court action. The court, which is considering the Vadakkancherry bus accident cases, also pointed out that the school authorities hired a bus that did not meet the safety standards.