Sat Sep 27 03:44:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewrite of the provided text as a news article:

**Summary:**

The Madras High Court has upheld the validity of the New Comprehensive Mini Bus Scheme in Tamil Nadu, India. This scheme, designed to provide last-mile connectivity to remote villages currently lacking bus service, aims to cover over 25,000 km and benefit approximately one crore people. The court dismissed challenges to the scheme, emphasizing its importance in furthering public convenience and the constitutional right to free movement. The judge also recognized the unsuitability of regular buses for the poor road infrastructure in these villages and resisted historical opposition from stage carriage operators to the inclusion of minibuses.

**News Article:**

**Madras High Court Greenlights Mini Bus Scheme, Bringing Transport to Remote Tamil Nadu Villages**

**CHENNAI, September 27, 2025** – The Madras High Court has affirmed the legality of the Tamil Nadu government’s New Comprehensive Mini Bus Scheme, paving the way for improved transport access to thousands of remote villages. The ruling, delivered on August 24, 2025, dismisses challenges to the scheme and underscores its importance in connecting underserved communities.

The scheme aims to cover 25,708 kilometers across the state, providing last-mile connectivity to hamlets that have remained isolated even 78 years after Indian Independence. Justice N. Mala stated the scheme is indisputably in furtherance of public convenience, warranting judicial affirmation.

Advocate General P.S. Raman successfully argued that the scheme promotes the constitutional right to free movement under Article 19(1)(d), enabling rural residents to access towns and cities more easily. The court acknowledged the poor condition of village roads, making mini buses a more practical option than regular buses.

The ruling also addressed historical opposition from stage carriage operators, stating that such resistance to mini buses in the state’s transport system cannot continue. The scheme is expected to benefit approximately one crore people across 90,000 villages and hamlets.

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