Erode District Bus Owners Association v. State Of Tamilnadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 05.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE Mr. JUSTICE V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN W.P.

No.

42498 of 20 Erode District Bus Owners Association Rep By Its President, Bus Mahal, No.37, Annamalai Layout, Mettur Road, Erode-638 001 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. State Of Tamilnadu Rep By The Secretary To Government, Home(transport I)department Fort Saint George, Chennai-600 009

2. The Transport Commissioner, Guindy, Chennai-600 032 ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to pass necessary orders permitting the members of the petitioner, who are operating ordinary service, with route length of 80 kms, and above as express service and to collect express fares, in the light of the amended Rule made in G.O.Ms.No.640 Home (Transport-VII)Department dated 16.7.2010.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr. M.Palani For Respondent(s):

Mr.Haja Nazruddin Additional Advocate General Assisted by Mr.M.Shajahan Special Government Pleader

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the respondents to pass necessary orders permitting the members of the petitioner association, who are operating ordinary services with a route length of 80 kms and above to operate the same as express services and to collect express fares, in the light of the amended Rule made in G.O.Ms.No.640 Home (Transport-VII)Department dated 16.7.2010. 2.

On 29.01.2026, Mr.Haja Nazruddin, learned Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.M.Shajahan, learned Special Government Pleader on behalf of the respondents reported that the first respondent will shortly take a call on the request made by the bus operators association seeking collection of express fare for the route length exceeding 80 kms and above. Recording his statement, I had posted the matter today.

3.

Today, when I took up the matter, the learned Additional Advocate General has produced a letter issued by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government rejecting the claim of the private operators seeking to operate ordinary service as express service, and collect express fare in respect of the route exceeding 80 kms and above. A copy of the order has been handed over to Mr.M.Palani, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner.

4.

As this is in compliance with the direction given by this Court dated 29.01.2026, this Writ Petition is closed. It is needless to add that, it is upto the petitioner, in case, if they aggrieved by the order, to challenge the same in accordance with law. There shall be no order as to costs. 05.02.2026 Index : Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order : Yes/No rts

V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN, J.

rts To

1. The Secretary To Government, State Of Tamilnadu Home(transport I)department Fort Saint George, Chennai-600 009

2. The Transport Commissioner Guindy, Chennai-600 032 05.02.2026