The Kerala High Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the state’s Priyadarshini Scheme, which provides free travel for women and transgender persons on ordinary Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. This significant ruling upholds the government’s policy decision, affirming its commitment to social welfare initiatives.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar VM found no compelling grounds to interfere with the scheme. The court explicitly stated that the initiative was a legitimate policy choice by the government, designed to benefit working-class women, and observed no breach of any statutory provisions in its implementation.

The petition was filed by Muhammed Firdouz, who identified himself as a public-spirited citizen and taxpayer. Firdouz contended that the Priyadarshini Scheme was discriminatory, arguing it violated Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution. His plea highlighted that the scheme offered free bus travel without any income ceiling, residency requirement, or specific identified disadvantage it aimed to address, thereby making it universally applicable to all women and transgender persons.

Beyond the discrimination argument, the petitioner also raised concerns about the financial implications of the scheme. Firdouz claimed that the initiative would impose a substantial burden of approximately Rs 2 crore daily on the public exchequer, projecting an annual cost nearing Rs 800 crore. The petition further questioned the procedural aspects of the policy’s approval and the speed with which it was implemented.

In its defense, the state government informed the court that similar free travel schemes were already operational in several other Indian states. It cited examples such as Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal, demonstrating that such welfare policies are not unique to Kerala. This comparative argument aimed to underscore the validity and commonality of such social support programs across the country.

The Priyadarshini Scheme was a prominent electoral promise made by the United Democratic Front (UDF) during its Assembly election campaign. Following the government’s assumption of office, the scheme was swiftly implemented, fulfilling a key guarantee to provide accessible and free public transport for women and transgender individuals on KSRTC’s ordinary services. This move was seen as a measure to enhance mobility, economic participation, and safety for these demographic groups.

The High Court’s decision reinforces the principle of judicial deference to government policy decisions, particularly when they aim at social upliftment and do not contravene established laws. By dismissing the plea, the court has effectively cleared the path for the continued operation of the Priyadarshini Scheme, ensuring that its intended beneficiaries can continue to avail themselves of free public transport.

This ruling is crucial for the state government, validating its approach to social welfare through public transport subsidies. It also sends a clear message regarding the judiciary’s stance on challenges to policies designed for equity and empowerment, especially when they align with broader national trends of similar initiatives. The scheme’s continuation is expected to have a tangible impact on the daily lives of countless women and transgender persons across Kerala, easing their financial burden and facilitating greater access to education, employment, and essential services.