KOCHI: For KSRTC staff across Kerala, abuse and intimidation have become part of the daily grind, often escalating into violence. In a case that reflects these recurring risks, a Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Ernakulam recently delivered a strong and closely reasoned judgment, sentencing a man to one year in jail for assaulting a bus driver.
The case stems from an incident on May 17, 2019, near Palarivattom, where a routine bus journey turned violent. According to the prosecution, a passenger, angered over the speed of the bus, approached the driver’s cabin and pulled the stopper attached to the gearbox, abruptly halting the vehicle. When the driver intervened, he was assaulted — struck on the ear, causing bleeding — and the service was disrupted.
After a prolonged trial, the court found the accused guilty under Sections 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty) and 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from duty) of the IPC. He was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment and six months of simple imprisonment, to run concurrently, along with fines totalling Rs 15,000.
The court also directed that the fine amount, if realised, be paid as compensation to the injured driver, while declining to extend the benefit of probation. The verdict has struck a chord with KSRTC drivers, many of whom see it as long-overdue recognition of the risks they face on duty.
“This judgment is a huge relief for many of us,” said a driver. “People often think they can misbehave without consequences. Orders like this send a clear message.”
Another driver recounted a recent confrontation that reflects the pressures of the job. “Recently, I was asked to stop at a place where there is no scheduled stop. He tried to assault me and claimed that he is a senior government official. I reminded him that it is a Super Fast service, and I am answerable if someone raises a complaint. I also pointed out that if I stop for one person, others will expect the same. I managed to handle the situation and avoid an assault only because a few passengers intervened. We need more such judgments to stop these offences.”
Legal experts say the ruling sends a strong signal. “The court has rightly taken a firm stand. Public servants, especially KSRTC drivers, are on the frontlines of essential services. Any attempt to intimidate or assault them strikes at the rule of law itself. Judgments like this are necessary to create a deterrent effect,” said Bijoy Joseph, an advocate familiar with the case.
The message from the Ernakulam court is clear — public service is not a target, and those who attack it will face the full force of the law.
Long-overdue recognition
The verdict has struck a chord with KSRTC drivers, many of whom see it as long-overdue recognition of the risks they face
Legal experts say the ruling serves as a strong deterrent to people who think they can misbehave without consequences