Madras High Court today directed transport authorities to return the impounded driving licence to a Metropolitan Transport Corporation driver, which was suspended after the death of a senior citizen while trying to alight a bus here in December 2014.
Driver R Ravi's licence was suspended even before a criminal court or a competent Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) could render a finding on the issue.
Justice M Duraiswamy in his order directed transport authorities to return the licence within a week. If they desired, authorities could, however, take action specified under Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, he said.
On December 22 2014, a 60-year-old passenger died while trying to alight the bus at Pondy Bazaar area. Counsel said the victim tried to alight even before the vehicle halted. The driver said he informed an ambulance service to take the seriously injured man to the government hospital before going to the police station.
Authorities who investigated the accident concluded it was only due to rash and negligent driving. The licence was seized by police and handed over to regional transport office. After impounding it, authorities suspended it till June 21.
Assailing the suspension order, counsel said in a similar case this court had held that such orders would pre-conclude the issue, and added that the order suspending the licence could not have been taken after due application of mind.
Justice Duraiswamy, concurring with the submissions, said the licence had been impounded and suspended 'prior to completion of the criminal case or motor accident claims case.
He then set aside the suspension order and directed the Regional Transport Officer to return it in a week.
