What Did the Karnataka High Court Say About the Metro Fare Hike Petition from BJP MP?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Karnataka High Court has issued a notice regarding a petition from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, demanding transparency about the Metro fare hike report. This case raises questions about government accountability and public access to information vital for citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the state government regarding the Metro fare hike report.
- BJP MP Tejasvi Surya is advocating for transparency in fare adjustments.
- The Fare Fixation Committee reviewed fares and submitted a report leading to the fare increase.
- The initial fare hike was up to 100 percent, making it the highest in the nation.
- Public backlash resulted in a reduction of the fare increase to 71 percent.
Bengaluru, July 7 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court on Monday served a notice to the state government and Metro officials concerning a petition submitted by BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, requesting the disclosure of the report that prompted the Metro fare increase.
Tejasvi Surya's petition challenges the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for failing to reveal the report that justified the fare hike in Bengaluru.
The bench, led by Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav, issued notices to the relevant parties after reviewing the petition and set a hearing date for the second week following the admission.
The bench expressed its astonishment by asking Surya’s counsel, “In such a powerful role, why is he unable to obtain the report from the BMRCL?”
In response, Surya’s counsel indicated that they had contacted the BMRCL and even met the Managing Director directly. Despite public and media attempts, including several RTI applications, the report has yet to be revealed.
The petition mentions that the Fare Fixation Committee (FFC) was established on September 7, 2024, to evaluate Metro fares in Bengaluru. Headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice R. Tharani, the committee submitted its report in December 2024, resulting in a significant fare increase in February 2025.
The BMRCL raised ticket prices by as much as 100 percent, making Bengaluru Metro the most costly in the nation. After public backlash and a statement from Tejasvi Surya in Parliament, the increase was later scaled back to 71 percent, according to the petition.
The petition also emphasized that the BMRCL and the state government are fundamentally obligated to operate in a transparent manner.
Participating in a protest last Saturday, Tejasvi Surya remarked, “Metro fares have surged by over 100 percent. A committee that undertook an international tour presented a report, leading to a 130 percent hike.”
“This has resulted in a decline of nearly 1 lakh passengers daily. We have been insisting that the fare fixation committee report be made public. Why is there anything to conceal? The Metro is financed by the public. Shouldn’t they be informed about the reasons for the fare increase?” he stated.
Point of View
This case underscores the importance of transparency in government operations. The Karnataka High Court's action reflects a commitment to ensuring that citizens have the right to know how decisions affecting their daily lives are made. The call for accountability by MP Tejasvi Surya aligns with the broader expectation that public services should operate with integrity and openness.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Karnataka High Court to issue a notice?
The notice was issued in response to a petition from BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is seeking the release of the report that justified the Metro fare hike.
What is the Fare Fixation Committee?
The Fare Fixation Committee was established to review Metro fares in Bengaluru, chaired by retired Madras High Court judge Justice R. Tharani.
Why did the Metro fares increase?
The fares were increased based on a report submitted by the Fare Fixation Committee, which was formed to evaluate the fare structure.
How much did the fares increase initially?
Initially, the BMRCL raised ticket prices by up to 100 percent, making Bengaluru Metro the most expensive in the country.
What was the public reaction to the fare hike?
The fare hike faced significant criticism, leading to a subsequent reduction to 71 percent after public outcry and political intervention.
