Make transport tribunal functional: Madras HC to Secretary

Justice T Raja, on recording the submission by Additional Advocate General A Kumar that proper notification will be issued shortly and a direction be given to the secretary to government, Transport Department and Transport Commissioner to look into the matter, suo motu impleaded both the officials into the case and directed them to do to the needful within a period of three weeks. 

As per the case, a mini bus owner had moved a plea in 2016 seeking permission for shifting of route from Tiruppur Railway Station Bus stop to Tiruppur Old bus stand as there was congestion in operating his mini bus, due to extension and development of City.

The court on September 6 had directed STAT to consider his representation dated August 12, 2016. As there was no response from the STAT, the petitioner filed an appeal, which is pending. He filed another writ petition to consider his representation within a stipulated time. The court while disposing the plea directed STAT to pass orders on the said appeal on merits and in accordance with law within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the order. Pursuant to this, STAT made a request seeking extension of three months, stating that they are awaiting Government notification conferring powers.

The judge on noting that a perusal of the records shows that from 2016 the STAT is non-functional in spite of about 300 pending cases, offered the direction and posted the matter after three weeks for reporting compliance.