HC orders release of attached TNSTC buses on payment of money

Passing orders last week, the Court said, "By keeping the buses in the court's custody, the claimants are not able to get the compensation and the Transport Corporations are also put to loss. Consequently, the travelling public is put to untold hardships."

In the affidavits filed by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations, it was mentioned that Deepavali was fast approaching and there was a need to operate more buses to cater to the passengers.

The corporations had submitted that 450 of its buses have been attached by various Motor Accident Claims Tribunals, for non-payment of award amounts.

Taking note of the festival season, the court said, "This Court directs the respective Tribunals to release forthwith the attached vehicles, whose details have been mentioned in the affidavits of various dates on the condition that the Transport Corporations shall deposit 25 per cent of the respective compensation amount along with interest and costs to the credit of the respective claim petition before the respondent Tribunal on or before November 28."

"The balance amount has to be deposited before the respective Tribunal in the following ratio i.e., 25 per cent on or before January 9,2017, another installment on or before February 20, 2017 and the last one on or before April 3,2017."

The court now has posted the matter for hearing on November 29.