The Bombay High Court’s Nagpur Bench issued a stern warning to the Deputy Director of Education, making it clear that failure to comply with court directions regarding school bus safety norms would invite legal action. The court stated that, if notices are not issued to defaulting schools by June 9, strict proceedings will be initiated against the officer, with no opportunity granted to correct the lapse. A division bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode was hearing the matter concerning non-compliance of rules related to School Bus Committee. As per the prescribed norms, every school operating bus services must constitute a School Bus Committee and hold meetings every three months. These committees play a key role in ensuring school buses are road-worthy and carry fitness certificates. The court noted that, there are 131 schools in the city running bus services. Earlier, on February 6, 2026, it had directed all these institutions to submit details of committee meetings held over the past two years. However, compliance has been poor, with only 41 schools submitting the required information so far.

 

Taking note of this, the court had, on March 17, 2026, directed the Deputy Director of Education to issue notices within three weeks to schools that had failed to furnish the details. It had also ordered publication of a public notice in widely-circulated Marathi and English newspapers. Despite these clear instructions, the officer failed to act within the stipulated time. Expressing displeasure over this inaction, the bench reprimanded the Deputy Director of Education and directed the Principal Secretary of the School Education Department to initiate legal proceedings against him. However, following a request made by the Government Pleader, the court granted a final opportunity and temporarily stayed the implementation of the punitive order until June 9.

 

The bench clarified that if the directives are not complied with by the next hearing date, the order to initiate legal action will automatically come into force without further hearing. Fine against defaulting schools The court also issued strict directions to the defaulting schools. Institutions that have not submitted details of their School Bus Committee meetings have been asked to file affidavits voluntarily before the next hearing. Failing this, each defaulting school will face a penalty of Rs 50,000. During the hearing, the Traffic Police informed the court that, designated stops for school buses would be identified within 15 days to streamline transport safety. Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Department assured the bench that fitness inspections of all school buses would be completed before the new academic session begins, reinforcing the focus on student safety.