WP(C)/28919/2026 of PRIVATE BUS OWNERS ASSOCIATION, SAMBALPUR Vs STATE TRANSPORT AUTHORITY, ODISHA on 9 September 2026

ORDER

09.09.2026 Order No.

01.

1. This matter is taken up through Hybrid Arrangement (Virtual /Physical Mode).

2. Heard learned counsel for the Petitioner as well as learned Standing Counsel for the Transport Department. Perused the writ application as well as the documents annexed thereto.

3. By filing the present writ application the Petitioner has sought for the following relief; “In the above facts and circumstances, the petitioner, therefore, most humbly prays that your Lordship would be graciously pleased to admit the writ petition, issue notice to the opposite parties and after hearing the counsel for the parties, this Hon'ble Court be further pleased to:

(i) Issue appropriate writ by quashing the draft rationalization timing, in so far as it proposes an interval of approximately 10-15 minutes between successive stage carriages operating on the Sambalpur-Sonepur (Via Dhama) route, in the Up and Down direction;

(ii) Issue a writ of mandamus directing the Opposite Parties to reconsider the rationalization timing for the Sambalpur-Sonepur (Via Dhama) route after taking into consideration the actual road condition, actual journey time, forest stretches, passenger availability, existing private bus operations, government bus operation and the financial viability of the private State Carriage Operators; And/or pass such other order/direction as deem fit and proper in the fact and circumstances of the case; And for this act of kindness the petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray.”

4. Learned counsel for the Petitioner at the outset contended that the Petitioner is a Private Bus Operator Association. He further contended that being aggrieved by the publication of the draft time table by the Opposite Party, they had earlier filed a representation before the Opposite Party No.1 on 12.08.2026. However, the same has not been considered. He further submitted that in the meantime the draft time table has not been finalized after taking into consideration the grievance of the Bus Owner’s Association-Petitioner. Being aggrieved by such inaction of the Opposite Party No.1, the Petitioner-Association has approached this Court by filing the present writ application. Learned Standing Counsel for the Transport Department on the other hand contended that he has no specific instruction in the matter. He further submitted that the representation filed along with the writ application is of the date 12.08.2026. Therefore, it appears that the Petitioner has approached this Court after several years. In such view of the matter, learned Standing Counsel for the Transport Department submitted before this Court that in the event this Court grants liberty to the Petitioner for redressal of his grievance by the Opposite Party No.1, in accordance with law, he will have no objection to the same.

5. Having regard to the learned counsels appearing for both sides, on a careful examination of the background facts, further taking note of the limited nature of the grievance, this Court deems it proper to dispose of the writ petition at the stage of admission by granting liberty to the Petitioner to approach the Opposite Party No.1 by filing a fresh representation taking therein all the grounds along with all supporting documents, within two weeks’ from today. In the event any such representation is filed, the Opposite Party No.1 shall consider the same in accordance with law and dispose of such application by passing a speaking and reasoned order within a period of eight weeks thereafter. The Opposite Party No.1 shall provide opportunity to the Parties before him. The final decision so taken by the Opposite Party No.1 be communicated to the Petitioner within ten days thereafter. It is further made clear that before taking any final decision or publishing the final list of time table every endeavour shall be made to dispose of the representation of the Petitioner as has been filed pursuant to the order passed by this Court. In the event the Petitioner fails to file the representation within two weeks’ time as has been indicated hereinabove. It is open to the Opposite Party No.1 to proceed with the finalization of the time table as per the rules.

6. With the aforesaid observation and direction, the CRLMC application stands disposed of.

( Aditya Kumar Mohapatra)

Judge Sisir

Digitally Signed Signed by: SISIR KUMAR SETHI Designation: Personal Assistant Reason: Authentication Location: ORISSA HIGH COURT Date: 11-Sep-2026 16:19:32 Signature Not Verified