Nagpur: In a scathing rebuke to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Nagpur, and several city schools, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court on Friday came down heavily on authorities for blatant non-compliance in a long-pending public interest litigation concerning the safety of students travelling by school buses and vans.
Hearing the PIL, a Division Bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode made it clear that its earlier directions issued on January 16, 2026 had been treated casually and ignored. The court had directed the RTO to submit a comprehensive list of all schools operating buses or vans—whether owned directly or hired through contractors, by January 30. However, the document placed on record was found to be incomplete, triggering sharp displeasure from the bench.
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Taking a stern view, the court warned that the Regional Transport Officer must ensure full compliance by the next date of hearing, failing which the officer would be required to remain personally present before the court.
The bench was equally unsparing towards the schools. It noted that despite clear directions, not a single respondent school submitted records of Transport Committee meetings held over the past two years. Such committees are mandated to meet at least once every three months before each semester to review the safety of student transportation.
The court expressed shock when counsel for one school admitted that no Transport Committee meeting had been held in the last two years. Observing that the safety of children during daily school commutes cannot be compromised, the judges remarked that schools were expected to act responsibly and proactively, not wait for judicial intervention.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), in its affidavit, claimed that school bus stop signages had been installed at several locations and supported its claim with photographs. However, it also conceded that many sign boards were damaged and needed replacement. The court directed the civic body to file a fresh affidavit clearly outlining a timeline for completing the remaining work.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 20. Advocate Firdos Mirza assisted the court as amicus curiae.
‘Safety ignored, money prioritised’
Visibly dissatisfied with the casual and indifferent attitude of schools, the High Court orally remarked that institutions appeared to be “more concerned about money than the safety of students.” Granting what it termed a final opportunity, the bench directed all schools to submit complete details of Transport Committee meetings held in the last two years, along with a list of buses and vans used for student transport, before the next hearing.
The court issued a clear warning: Any school failing to comply will be forced to deposit Rs 50,000 in the court registry.
