A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the state government’s ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus travel scheme for women and transgender persons on KSRTC ordinary services.
Filed by Kochi resident Mohammed Firdous, the PIL argues that the programme is arbitrary, discriminatory, and violative of the right to equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution. It seeks the immediate suspension of the initiative and a declaration that it is unconstitutional.
The petitioner contends that the scheme, which was rolled out on June 15, imposes a massive and arbitrary financial burden on the state exchequer. It is estimated to cost nearly Rs 2 crore per day and about Rs 800 crore annually.
The plea claims that the government implemented the initiative merely as an election promise without conducting proper financial impact assessments or policy studies.
According to the petition, providing benefits solely on the basis of gender, without any financial criteria or residency qualifications, violates the principles of equality and non-discrimination guaranteed by the Constitution.
While the Constitution empowers the government to make special provisions for women, such measures should serve a specific objective and be aimed at addressing disadvantage or backwardness, it further argues.
The petitioner also contends that using public tax money to fund the scheme is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Described as a key initiative for women’s empowerment, the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala on Monday launched its ambitious flagship ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme for all women and transgender persons on ordinary buses operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
ENDS