Lokayukta registers suo motu case over lack of medical help at Shivajinagar bus stand

File photo of a BMTC bus at Shivajinagar bus stand. | Photo credit: File photo

In close proximity to Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh sitting among passengers who directly heard their complaints and ordered immediate action on the absence of a doctor at the Namma clinic and the delay in issuing passes to student buses, the Karnataka Lokayukta registered a suo motu case against a BMTC official for not providing timely medical help to an elderly passenger at the Shivajinagar bus stand.

A case was registered against Chandrakala, Assistant Traffic Manager, Shivajinagar BMTC Bus Stand (TTMC), following a newspaper report highlighting how an elderly passenger who had collapsed in a bus and was reportedly left without medical attention for more than 30 minutes.

The event was inaugurated by Justice KN Phaneendra, Upalokayukta, Karnataka.

The passenger reportedly boarded a BMTC bus at Ramamurthy Nagar and traveled to Shivajinagar. When he arrived at the bus stop, he reportedly had a seizure and became unresponsive. Although the bus reached its destination, the driver and conductor reportedly tried to get him out of the vehicle for more than 30 minutes.

The incident occurred despite the Commercial Street police station being about 100 meters away and the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital being nearby.

Journalists present at the bus stop then called the emergency number 112 and asked for help. Police initially suggested that the passenger be taken to Bowring Hospital in a BMTC bus, but the driver reportedly expressed his inability to do so.

The passenger was eventually removed from the bus and handed over to the police. The bus then continued driving.

Upalokayukta noted that passengers are entitled to basic amenities at bus stops, including access to medical assistance in case of emergency.

The order referred to Article 41 of the Constitution, which imposes a duty on the state to improve public health, and the Supreme Court’s broader interpretation of Article 21, which includes the right to a dignified life and access to health care.

Apart from appointing the Assistant Transport Manager as the respondent, the upalokayukta ordered the BMTC General Manager to look into the deficiencies and take appropriate remedial action.

The BMTC General Manager was specifically directed to look into the need for providing medical facilities at all BMTC bus stands in Bengaluru and submit a report on the measures taken.

The matter was published on October 12, 2026.

Published – 05 Sep 2026 23:42 IST