Declare ‘Vettri Payanam’ scheme unconstitutional, urges private bus operator before Madras High Court
A private bus operator has filed a petition in the Madras High Court challenging the Tamil Nadu government's 'Vettri Payanam' scheme, which provides free travel for women on state buses. The petitioner argues that the scheme creates an unfair competitive environment that threatens the viability of private transport businesses.
Why it matters
This case explores the tension between state-funded social welfare initiatives and the economic impact on private sector competitors.
A writ petition has been filed in the Madras High Court challenging the constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu government’s ‘Vettri Payanam’ (victorious travel) scheme which offers no-fare travel for women and transwomen passengers in 12,695 government buses across the State.
A private bus operator N. Kalamani from Bhavani Taluk in Erode district has approached the Court complaining the scheme would severely affect private transporters who may suffer heavy losses and have no option but to wind up their business.
The petitioner claimed private bus operators would not only stand to lose women passengers but also the men because families would naturally prefer to travel together in government buses in which the women need not pay any fare.
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