HC not to stay implementation of safety rules for school buses

"Everybody should fall in line now. Every parent is concerned about the safety of their children when they go to school and this of paramount importance," a division bench of justices D Y Chandrachud and Amjad Sayed said.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by School Bus Owners' Association challenging the safety rules on the grounds that it was technically not possible to follow them.

The petitioners sought an order restraining the government from initiating coercive action against them.

The court, however, refused to do so and posted the matter for further hearing on September 10.

Government pleader D A Nalawade today submitted the state's affidavit defending the policy. The affidavit by Satish Sahasrabudhe, Joint Transport Commissioner, said that the provision for an additional exit door, which had been opposed by the bus operators, had been dropped in the final policy.

He further said that speed governors were awaiting a final decision by the state. He also added that the provision for fire extinguishers had been recommended by the fire department.