A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the state government's Priyadarshini Scheme, which provides free travel in ordinary KSRTC buses to all women and transgender persons. The petition alleges that the scheme is arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India.
Petitioner's Allegations
The PIL has been filed by Muhammed Firdouz of Ernakulam, who claims to be a frequent KSRTC bus traveler. The petition alleges that the scheme is being implemented solely on the basis of gender, without any income criterion, residential qualification, or specifically identified disadvantage sought to be remedied. It further claims that the scheme imposes a burden on the public exchequer of approximately Rs 2 crore per day, amounting to nearly Rs 800 crore annually.
Lack of Policy Consideration
Firdouz contends that the scheme was not the result of a considered policy decision but rather a pre-written electoral promise mechanically converted into a government order, with the machinery of the state pressed into service even before the government had been properly constituted. According to the petition, prior to implementing the scheme, the state government neither examined KSRTC's financial position nor constituted any ministerial committee, despite committing the state exchequer to an annual expenditure of Rs 800 crore.
Absence of Empirical Data
The petitioner further alleges that no empirical data were collected to identify the specific disadvantage sought to be remedied and that no measurable benchmarks, impact assessment, financial sustainability analysis, or consideration of alternatives preceded the decision to introduce the scheme.
Interim Stay Sought
In addition, the petition seeks an interim stay of the government order dated June 11.
