Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Officials Over Delayed Deployment of Bus Marshals, Citing Passenger Safety Concerns

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on recently issued notice to the Delhi government's Chief Secretary and Finance Secretary on a contempt plea moved by advocate Amit Sahni for allegedly violating the previous orders and delaying the deployment and payment of salaries of bus marshals in the national capital.

A bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh sought replies from the officers on the contempt plea, saying that the security and safety of passengers are of utmost importance.

The court fixed September 4 for further hearing in the matter.

Senior advocate Manish Vashisht, appeared for Sahni.

The contempt plea contended Sahni had earlier approached the court by filing a PIL in which he  was granted liberty on May 1 to file the present contempt petition.

The Court while disposing of the plea had observed that if the government is not complying with its earlier directions passed on December 1, 2022, then a contempt petition can certainly be filed alleging disobedience of the order.

Sahni alleged that the officials have been compromising with the safety and security of women as many buses deployed by the government have been running without marshals.

The plea cited media reports to claim that the government is trying to justify the replacement of bus marshals by installation of CCTVs.

The Delhi governments Bus Marshals Scheme was introduced by the transport department in 2015, which reportedly helped in lowering the cases of eve teasing, and theft in Delhi Buses apart from maintaining overall discipline in the commuters using buses to commute on a daily basis and it's quite essential to continue deployment of bus marshals in Delhi buses.

Article 21 of the Constitution of India provides for the protection of life and personal liberty. To travel in a safe and secure environment is also a part of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the plea stated.

It is the duty of the State to provide sufficient security and protection to every person/ citizen of the country, plea added.

Transport Department itself admit that the deployment of Marshalls in Delhi Buses had boosted the morale of Females using public transport and in case of eve teasing or theft like situation, the Marshall takes over the situation.

Thus, it has been extremely helpful for reducing the Crime, plea read.

The plea further stated that the respondents view that the CCTV can replace the Marshalls is absolutely misconceived as CCTV cannot provide better security and protection to the females on the spot. It, however, helps in tracking the crime later if the same is reported by a commuter.