Pradeep Sharma v. Union Of India And Others

CWP-PIL-236-2024 1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-PIL-236-2024 Date of decision: 06.08.2025 PRADEEP SHARMA ....Petitioner

Versus

UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

...Respondents

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SHEEL NAGU, CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJIV BERRY *****

Present:

Mr. Navdeep Singh, Advocate (Arguing counsel) Ms. Simran Atwal, Advocate for the petitioner.

Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Addl. Solicitor General (through VC) Mrs. Bhavana Datta, Sr. Panel Counsel, for respondents No.1 to 3-UOI.

Mr. Sumeet Jain, Addl. Standing Counsel Ms. Shubreet Kaur Saron, Addl. Standing Counsel for respondent No.6-U.T., Chandigarh.

Mr. Vipin Pal Yadav, Addl. Advocate General, Punjab. Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. Advocate General, Haryana. ***** SHEEL NAGU, C.J. (Oral) 1.

Present petition, in the shape of Public Interest Litigation, has been filed raising a public cause that military trucks are being used for transporting children to the school and back, the structure of which does not conform to the mandatory standards laid down as per Automotive Industry Standard, Requirements for School Buses, AIS-063:2005.

2.

Opportunity was afforded to the respondents, especially to the Union of India, to respond to the contentions in this petition. However, there is no MOHIT GOYAL 2025.08.11 14:35 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-PIL-236-2024 2 response filed till date, but the learned counsel for respondents No.1 to 3-UOI fairly submits that since the cause raised herein relates to safety of school-going children, they are ready and willing to make necessary amendments and modifications in the school buses/trucks belonging to Army, Navy or Air Force. 3.

This Court has no manner of doubt that in view of the assurance extended by learned counsel for the Union of India and its functionaries, the needful would be done by making necessary modifications in the existing trucks/buses or by introducing new buses, as the case may be, to adhere to the Automotive Industry Standard, Requirements for School Buses, AIS-063:2005, read with Instructions dated 23.02.2017 bearing No.CBSE/AFF.Jcircular8/2017/12/7401 issued by Central Board of Secondary Education. 4.

The respondents are free to make necessary amendments in a phased manner, but as expeditiously as possible, keeping the safety of the children in mind.

5.

In case the aforesaid directions are not followed, the petitioner is free to re-visit the Court.

6.

Petition stands disposed of accordingly.

(SHEEL NAGU) CHIEF JUSTICE (SANJIV BERRY) 06.08.2025 JUDGE mohit goyal Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes / No Whether reportable :

Yes / No MOHIT GOYAL 2025.08.11 14:35 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document