Karmactive Team
Tamil Nadu’s zero-fare bus travel scheme for women remains fully operational after a petition challenging its legality was withdrawn at the Madras High Court. The bench allowed the petitioner to withdraw the PIL while giving liberty to pursue an appropriate legal remedy, without reaching the constitutional merits of the scheme.
The Madras High Court allowed a private bus operator to withdraw her petition challenging Tamil Nadu’s Vetri Payanam scheme, after the bench questioned the maintainability of the petition and indicated that the petitioner should challenge the government order instead. The court did not rule on any constitutional grounds. The petition’s withdrawal—rather than a merits dismissal—means the scheme’s constitutionality has not been adjudicated.
With the petition withdrawn, zero-fare bus travel for women continues without interruption across Tamil Nadu state transport undertaking buses. Commuters need no special pass or application. Conductors issue zero-value tickets upon boarding. No action is required from existing users—the service is unchanged.
The Vetri Payanam Scheme and the Legal Challenge
The Vetri Payanam scheme covers women and transgender persons on state government buses. Reporting indicates the scheme operates across thousands of state transport undertaking buses, including ordinary, express, and other designated service categories. For related context on public transit policy, see urban transit and zero-emission travel planning.
The petitioner—a private bus operator—raised concerns about commercial impact on private stage carriage services. The bench’s questions about maintainability led to the withdrawal before any constitutional holding was reached. Private operators’ legal options remain open if they pursue the appropriate legal route as indicated by the bench.
Did the Madras High Court stop Tamil Nadu’s free bus travel for women?
No. The court did not reach the constitutional merits of the scheme. The petitioner withdrew the PIL after the bench questioned its maintainability. The Vetri Payanam scheme continues daily across Tamil Nadu state transport undertakings without disruption.
Check back for updates on any fresh petitions or legal developments following the withdrawal.
