Nagpur HC Questions Why 800+ School Buses Run Without Fitness Certificates

In a strong move towards student safety, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has raised serious questions about why over 800 school buses are operating without valid fitness certificates. The court’s response came after a report highlighted this growing concern, prompting a much-needed discussion on how safe our children really are during their daily commute — especially in Tier 2 cities where enforcement often lags behind rules.

Court Steps In After Red Flag

The issue was brought to the court’s attention through recent media coverage and citizen complaints. The High Court expressed concern over the lack of action by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and school administrations in ensuring that only certified, roadworthy vehicles are used to transport students.

A bench noted that such negligence not only violates transport norms but also puts the lives of thousands of schoolchildren at daily risk.

Buses Without Basic Safety Clearance

Fitness certificates are mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act and confirm that a vehicle is mechanically safe to be on the road. In this case, more than 800 school buses in Nagpur were found operating without this essential clearance.

Many of these buses also lacked necessary emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and proper seating arrangements — a matter that alarmed parents and activists alike.

Tier 2 Cities Face Oversight Gaps

Nagpur, a growing Tier 2 city and educational hub in Maharashtra, is not the only place grappling with this issue. Several cities like Bhopal, Nashik, and Jaipur have seen similar lapses where school transport services either bypass norms or function under weak regulatory oversight.

In smaller cities, private bus operators often dominate the school transport segment, and regular vehicle checks are sometimes overlooked due to limited manpower or lax enforcement.

Officials Asked to Submit Action Plan

Following the court’s intervention, the RTO and local authorities have been directed to submit a detailed action plan. This includes a timeline for vehicle inspections, a system for penalising violations, and coordination with school managements to ensure compliance.

The court also hinted at the possibility of taking action against schools that continue to use uncertified vehicles despite repeated reminders.

Conclusion

The Nagpur school bus fitness row has exposed a dangerous gap in everyday safety protocols affecting young children. While courts stepping in is a welcome move, lasting change can only come through continuous monitoring, strict implementation, and accountability at every level. For parents and schools in Tier 2 cities across India, this case serves as a strong reminder — student safety must start before the school bell rings.