Tue Oct 14 15:25:42 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, formatted for general news consumption and taking into account the publication “The Hindu” and its perspective:
**Headline: KSRTC Driver Challenges Transfer After Minister’s Intervention**
**Kochi, India – October 14, 2025** – A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver has filed a petition with the Kerala High Court challenging his recent transfer, alleging it was arbitrary and unjust. The driver, Jaimon Joseph, was transferred from Kottayam to Thrissur following an incident where Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar stopped his bus and ordered disciplinary action due to the placement of water bottles on the dashboard.
Joseph, a driver with nine years of unblemished service, claims the incident occurred while he was operating a Fast Passenger bus en route from Mundakkayam to Thiruvananthapuram. He contends that the two water bottles were for personal consumption during the lengthy 210-kilometer journey and that there was no alternative storage space available in the driver’s cabin.
The petition highlights the driver’s exemplary service record and argues that the transfer is a disproportionate response to the alleged infraction. The High Court has scheduled a hearing on the matter in one week.
The case raises questions about the appropriate level of intervention by government officials in the day-to-day operations of public transportation and the fairness of disciplinary actions against employees. It will be closely watched to determine its implications for KSRTC employees and the balance between oversight and worker autonomy within the state’s public sector.
First Piper 