Photo: ES Akhil/ Mathrubhumi
Kochi: Kerala High Court on Thursday took a suo motu case in the Vadakkencherry bus accident.
Earlier, it was revealed that the driver paid little attention to the safety of the passengers and recklessly drove the vehicle. Nine people were killed and several others were injured in the accident after a ‘Luminous bus’ carrying school students from Ernakulam hit a KSRTC and overturned.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, while considering the matter, asked who issued the fitness certificate to the tourist bus that blatantly violated safety norms and had illegal modifications. The court also sought an explanation from the Kerala government and Motor Vehicle Department (MVD). The court will hear the case again on Thursday at noon.
Kerala High Court directed the MVD to take strict measures and seize tourist buses having illegal modifications. Court warned that such vehicles cannot be permitted on the road. Meanwhile, MVD was directed to conduct inspections to nab violators. The transport commissioner is directed to file an affidavit in connection to the actions taken against such tourist buses.
Vadakkencherry SHO and RTO are asked to appear before the court. Following the incident, MVD officials have started taking action against tourist buses in the state.
According to witnesses, the bus was overspeeding. The driver had not got sufficient rest after his previous trip either.
Earlier, the Kerala High Court had directed the state government to take effective action against violators who modify tourist buses by illuminating them with LED lights, and installing music devices and air horns. Several buses had faced action for such modifications. These agencies have a huge fan base in Kerala among school and college students.
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