New Delhi, December 23, 2024 / April 9, 2025
The
Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and
other officials on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Lalan
Kumar Singh, raising serious concerns over the prolonged non-functioning of the
State Transport Appellate Tribunal (STAT) in the capital.
The
petition, W.P. (C) 17693/2024, was filed under Article 226 of the
Constitution of India through advocate Anuj Aggarwal and his legal team,
contending that the STAT, a statutory appellate body constituted under Section
89 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, has remained non-functional since June
21, 2022, despite a government notification dated September 27, 2024,
appointing the Principal Secretary (Law, Justice & LA) as its Presiding
Officer.
The
petitioner alleges that due to the tribunal's inaction, more than 1000
appeals against cancellation or suspension of commercial vehicle permits
remain unheard, causing immense hardship to transporters and drivers who
rely on their vehicles for livelihood.
The
petition underscores the lack of judicial functioning, despite statutory
power being conferred, citing reasons such as non-availability of court
setup, staff shortages, and administrative delay. A representation sent by
the petitioner on December 10, 2024, also failed to elicit any response
from the authorities.
The
High Court, comprising Hon’ble Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Hon’ble
Mr. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, first heard the matter on December 23, 2024,
and issued notice to the respondents. The matter was then listed before Hon’ble
Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Gedela on April 9, 2025,
with the next hearing scheduled for August 13, 2025.
The
petitioner prays for a direction to the respondents to make the STAT
functional immediately, in line with the government notification, and to
ensure timely adjudication of pending appeals.
The
case brings into focus the systemic impact of institutional inertia on
access to justice and the livelihood of daily earners in the transport sector.
https://advocateanujaggarwal.com/home.php
https://www.advocateanujaggarwal.com/advocateadmin/img/Finalist/202506011748784633PIL_merged.pdf
Anuj Aggarwal
Advocate
D-26/A, First Floor,
Jangpura Extension,
New Delhi - 110014
483, Block-2, Lawyers
Chambers,
Delhi High Court, New
Delhi-110003
Mobile – 9891403206
Landline – 011 - 35554905
Email – anujaggarwal1984@gmail.com
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