MP to scrap 15-year-old buses:High Court clears action on 899 vehicles; rejects operators’ plea challenging government order

Commercial buses older than 15 years will soon be removed from roads across Madhya Pradesh, after the High Court upheld the state government’s order. The ruling comes as a major setback for bus operators who had challenged the directive. 899 over-age buses still in operation Around 899 buses in the state have already crossed the 15-year limit and continue to operate despite being in poor condition. Many of these vehicles are still carrying passengers between cities. The government had issued the order on November 14, 2025, which was later challenged in court. Jabalpur tops list of dilapidated buses Officials say the highest number of such buses are running in Jabalpur, while the lowest are in Rewa division. Transport Department Secretary Manish Singh has shared a detailed list with Commissioner Vivek Sharma, and action against these vehicles is expected soon. All petitions dismissed by court A single bench of Justice Vishal Mishra rejected all 10 petitions filed by bus operators. The judgment, reserved on February 27, 2026, cleared the way for strict enforcement against over-age commercial vehicles. The court observed that once rules and amendments have been validated, orders issued under them cannot be termed invalid. It also reaffirmed that the state government has full authority over transport policy and stage carriage permits. Operators’ arguments rejected Bus operators from several districts, including Bhopal, argued that their vehicles held valid permits, fitness certificates and paid taxes regularly. They contended that the 15-year cap should apply only to new permits, not existing ones. However, the court dismissed these claims. Government cites earlier validation Representing the state, Deputy Advocate General Swapnil Ganguly said the amendment dated December 27, 2022 had already been upheld by a Division Bench on March 12, 2026. Therefore, the present order, being based on that amendment, could not be challenged separately. Rules clearly define age limits Under Rule 77(1-A) of the Madhya Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1994: Despite clear rules, officials in Regional Transport Authorities allegedly ignored vehicle age while issuing permits. As a result, hundreds of ageing and unsafe buses remain on roads, posing serious risks to passenger safety.