HC summons HRTC MD, transport Comm over accidents due to bad roads

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh High Court Thursday directed the Managing Director of state road Transport Corporation and transport Commissioner to appear before it in a matter related to bad condition of the roads causing bus accidents in the state.

A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed the order on a petition filed by Ajay Siphayia and directed Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) MD to file fresh status report in the matter.

The petitioner prayed that several cases of bus accidents were reported from all over the state and they were no signs of it stopping, also no effective deterrent action appears to have been taken in spite of various statements given by the Transport Ministry.

On previous hearing, the court had directed the respondent to report whether bus-stops have been earmarked enabling the passengers to disembark and embark on or before the next date of hearing.

Today, the petitioners have filed status report regarding traffic congestion along with photographs.

The Advocate General told the court that the concerned authorities have been informed to do the needful and sought three weeks time to file the reply, which was granted by the high court.

HRTC also brought to the court's notice that all its vehicle were being parked in the parking zone but the petitioner said that it was not factually correct.