KSRTC has decided to discontinue the practice of accepting compensation, citing an internal assessment that compromises had led to an increase in such incidents.
Alappuzha: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has adopted a firm policy of refusing out-of-court settlements in cases involving attacks on buses and its staff.
The corporation announced that any incidents during service — including vandalism of buses, damage to property, assault or physical attack on employees — will now be met with strong legal action. Previously, such cases were often settled after compensation was paid for the damage. However, KSRTC has decided to discontinue that practice, citing an internal assessment that compromises had led to an increase in such incidents.
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Attacks on buses frequently result in the cancellation of services, causing revenue losses and operational disruption. Offenders will henceforth face prosecution under stringent legal provisions. Police are expected to invoke relevant sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act for destruction of public assets, along with serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in cases involving assault on employees. Several of these offences are non-bailable, leaving little scope for settlement. Convictions could carry prison terms of up to five years along with substantial fines.
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The corporation began moving away from settlements and strengthening legal action after 2022. In recent incidents, including attacks on staff in Mavelikkara, KSRTC has maintained a zero-tolerance approach.
The management has directed unit-level officials to immediately inform the police and register cases in the event of any untoward incident during service. According to KSRTC officials, the tougher stance has already contributed to a decline in such attacks.
Published: 16 Feb 2026, 01:50 pm IST
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