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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/1163/2026disposed of

S.Rajendra Prasad v. The Regional Transport Authority

2026-01-20Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 20.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY W.P.(MD)No.1163 of 2026 and W.M.P.(MD).No.925 of 2026 S.Rajendra Prasad ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Regional Transport Authority, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

2. The Regional Transport Officer, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Kottar Police Station, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents contesting the timing conference of the Petitioner's mini bus route with Rule 248 of Tamilnadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, based on the petitioner's representation dated 10.12.2025, within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.H.Velavadhas For R-1 & R-2 : Mrs.K.Malathi, Additional Government Pleader 1/6

For R-3 : Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents contesting the timing conference of the petitioner's mini bus route with Rule 248 of the Tamilnadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, based on the petitioner's representation dated 10.12.2025, within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that he is the holder of a mini bus permit issued by the respondents for the route from C.T.M. Puram to Anna Bus Stand in respect of a vehicle bearing Registration No.TN 74 K 6327 and has been operating the said route from the year 2000 onwards. The permit was valid up to 31.08.2025. The grievance of the petitioner is that the respondents have issued eight new permits to various persons, and all the said routes touch the petitioner's permitted route. The petitioner had already been allotted scheduled timings by the respondents on 31.08.2000. The introduction of new permits with overlapping routes would cause irreparable loss to the petitioner. 2/6

3. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for respondent Nos.1 and 2 submitted that temporary tentative bus timings have been allotted to the new permit holders and that the petitioner's representation would be considered by the respondents in accordance with law.

4. Considering the submissions made on either side, it is seen that the State has proposed to grant permits for eight additional buses to cater to the needs of the general public. At the same time, it is an admitted fact that the petitioner has been operating the mini bus service on the route from C.T.M. Puram to Anna Bus Stand for the past 25 years pursuant to a valid permit and approved schedule of timings. The sole grievance of the petitioner is that if new permits are granted for operation on the same route, his existing timings should not be disturbed.

5. As contended by the learned Additional Government Pleader, the tentative timings proposed for the new permit holders have been allotted temporarily. This Court is of the considered view that the petitioner, who has been operating the service for more than two decades, has a legitimate expectation that his long-standing timings would not be 3/6

altered. Any disturbance to the existing schedule would not only affect the petitioner's livelihood but would also adversely impact the public who are accustomed to the existing service.

6. Taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs the respondents to pass appropriate orders by allotting timings to the newly permitted buses without disturbing the existing timings already allotted to the petitioner, and to dispose of the petitioner's representation dated 10.12.2025, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above direction, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 20.01.2026 Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No TSG 4/6

To

1. The Regional Transport Authority, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

2. The Regional Transport Officer, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Kottar Police Station, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District.

5/6

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.

TSG W.P.(MD)No.1163 of 2026 20.01.2026 6/6