PIL challenging free travel for women in KSRTC ordinary buses: High Court reserves matter for orders

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Women passengers show their zero-fare tickets aboard a KSRTC bus on the launch day of the Kerala Government's Priyadarshini scheme, in Palakkad | Photo Credit: K.K. Mustafah

While observing that the ‘Priyadarshini’ free travel scheme in KSRTC’s ordinary buses for women and transgender persons was a policy decision of the State Government that was aimed mainly at working-class women, the Kerala High Court on Thursday (June 18, 2026) reserved for orders a PIL that was filed challenging the travel scheme that was launched on June 15.

The petitioner, who submitted that he is a frequent traveller on KSRTC buses, contended that the scheme violated the right to equality and the right against discrimination, enshrined in Article 14 and Article 15 (1) of the Indian Constitution.

He further contended that no study was conducted before rolling out the scheme that is aimed at making available free travel for women, irrespective of their income. Neither was a ministerial committee constituted to study the matter.

Above all, the scheme would cost the public exchequer approximately ₹800 crore each year, he said.

Citing similar schemes that were in vogue in eight other States, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the State Government submitted that such a measure was adopted to further the cause of women’s empowerment, in keeping with the expectations from a welfare State.

The scheme would, in turn, help increase the mobility of women, especially in rural areas. The Government is empowered to implement schemes that give preferential treatment for women, it added.