Delhi High Court Orders Full Restoration of DTC Bus Services

The Delhi High Court closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Wednesday that sought the urgent restoration of public bus services following a strike by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) personnel. The strike, led by drivers and conductors demanding daily wage increases from Rs. 862 to Rs. 2,000 alongside insurance and paid leave, had caused significant disruptions for students, daily-wage workers, and women utilizing free travel facilities.

Advocate Ami Sisodia filed the petition, arguing that the disruption forced commuters toward more expensive transport and increased pressure on the Delhi Metro. By the time of the hearing, the DTC reported that 96 percent of its buses had returned to the roads.

While the court declined to pass further directions because the situation was improving, it ordered the Delhi government and the DTC to take all necessary measures to ensure the entire fleet remains operational. The court also directed the state government to review a proposal to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act 1968 to maintain service continuity.