KOCHI: The government has informed the high court that appointments will not be made immediately in KSRTC-Swift (K-Swift) company as the model code of conduct is in force.

The government's explanation is in the petition filed by TS Santosh, a resident of Alappuzha, alleging that there is a movie to hire empaneled drivers in K-Swift. The single bench petition was then adjourned for consideration after the election.

K-Swift Company is registered and no decision has been taken on the appointment, the Advocate General explained. He said the Transport Secretary is in West Bengal as an election observer.

Earlier, the high court had ordered the removal of empanel drivers from KSRTC and appointment from the PSC list. It also directed to exclude empanel drivers altogether on a contempt of court petition. Following this, KSRTC-Swift Company was formed on February 19. The petition alleges that the company has made it clear that it will hire empanel drivers and that the company has been made to re-employ empanel drivers in defiance of the High Court order.