PIL in Kerala HC challenges free travel scheme for women in KSTRC buses

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) regular bus ‘Priyadarshini’ scheme for women and transgenders launched by the state government on 15 June 2026.

The petition claims that the system violates the right to equality and the right against discrimination as provided for in the Constitution. He said there were no income criteria or housing qualifications and the scheme would not remedy any specific disadvantage. It further costs the exchequer around ₹ 2 crore every day or ₹ 800 crore annually, the company said.

The petition called for the program to be declared unconstitutional, or for the state to be instructed to conduct a comprehensive financial and social impact assessment to reevaluate the program. It also asked the court to direct the state to disclose the estimated annual financial commitment for the scheme, the source of funds and its projected impact on the KSRTC.

Published – 15 Jun 2026 21:46 IST