KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed KSRTC to clear the salary arrears of its employees within the time limit. The court said that the KSRTC MD will have to appear in court in person if KSRTC fails to pay the last month's salary by the 20th of this month. It was Justice Devan Ramachandran who criticized the KSRTC for delaying the salary of the employees.

The court asked how the KSRTC, which has a monthly revenue of more than 220 crores, is in a crisis when it comes to paying the salaries of the employees. However, KSRTC told the court that the diversion of Rs 11 crore for the benefits of retired employees is the reason behind the current crisis. KSRTC said that it expects 30 crores as financial assistance from the government and that it will resolve the salary-related issue immediately after it receives this amount.