Wed Oct 15 16:24:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver, Jaimon Joseph, challenged his transfer to Thrissur in the Kerala High Court after being disciplined for keeping water bottles on the dashboard of his bus. The KSRTC responded with an affidavit stating that a 2024 circular prohibits placing items like towels and bags on the dashboard and that the transfer was a justified disciplinary action authorized by the Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar. Joseph argues that he had no alternative place to store the water bottles and had a clean disciplinary record. The case is set for a hearing.

**News Article:**

**KSRTC Defends Driver’s Transfer Over Water Bottle Placement, Cites 2024 Circular**

**KOCHI, October 15, 2025** – The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is defending its decision to transfer bus driver Jaimon Joseph from Kottayam to Thrissur, arguing that the action was justified disciplinary measure following a violation of established rules.

The controversy arose after Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar reportedly intercepted the bus driven by Mr. Joseph and took issue with the driver placing water bottles on the dashboard between the steering wheel and the windshield. Mr. Joseph then challenged the transfer in the Kerala High Court.

In response, the KSRTC filed an affidavit in court on Wednesday stating that a circular issued in 2024 explicitly prohibits placing items such as towels, bags, and other objects on the dashboard. The circular mandates that such items be stored in bags and placed on the luggage rack. The KSRTC also stated that the implementation of dustbins in buses was to ensure cleanliness. The circular came after an effort to make sure all the KSTRC buses are clean and safe for the passengers.

The KSRTC argues that the transfer falls within the Transport Minister’s authority to recommend action against rule violations. The agency further stated in its affidavit that the transfer was a part of a disciplinary action.

Mr. Joseph contends that he has a clean disciplinary record after nine years of service and that he had no other suitable place to store the two water bottles he needed for the 210-kilometer trip.

The Kerala High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday. The outcome of this case could have implications for how KSRTC enforces its internal regulations and the extent of ministerial oversight in disciplinary matters.

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