Arminder Singh And Others vs State Of Punjab And Another

Augustine George Masih, J

Petitioners, who are Tourist Bus Operators, have approached this Court praying for the same benefit as has been granted to the Stage Carriage Buses Holders and the Educational Institutes, Schools, Colleges Buses vide Notification dated 15.12.2020 (Annexure P-8).

The contention of the counsel for the petitioners is that a similarly placed person, namely, Ranjit Singh has already been granted the benefit which the petitioners are also claiming. All these aspects have been referred to and pointed out by a representation dated 21.01.2021 (Annexure P-11) addressed to The State Transport Commissioner, Punjab-respondent No. 2, which has not yet been responded to. It is asserted by the counsel for the petitioners that the said representation although is preferred by petitioner No. 1 but the same be treated qua the other petitioners as well as their claim is identical. Counsel has also brought to the notice of the Court that in case the claim of the petitioners is not finalized by 31.03.2021, the authorization certificates issued to the petitioners would expire rendering the petitioners incapable of plying their buses. Prayer has, thus, been made that the said representation dated 21.01.2021 (Annexure P-11) may be considered and decided prior to the said date.

Without going into the merits of the case or commenting thereon, the present petition is disposed of with directions to the State Transport Commissioner, Punjab-respondent No. 2 to consider and decide the representation submitted by petitioner No. 1 dated 21.01.2021 (Annexure P-11) treating it to be a representation by all the petitioners and decide the same on or before 30.03.2021. Decision, so taken, be conveyed to the petitioners forthwith.

Copy of this order be given DASTI to the counsel for the petitioners as well as the counsel for the State for information and compliance.