Devikulam MLA A. Raja.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 6, 2025) upheld the 2021 Assembly election win of Devikulam MLA and CPI(M) leader A. Raja while setting aside a Kerala High Court decision invalidating the poll result to the reserved seat.

Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah, in a judgment, found his disqualification as a legislator by the High Court invalid.

The apex court ordered that Mr. Raja should receive all the consequential benefits of the judgment in his favour.

The High Court had found him ineligible for Scheduled Caste reservation on the ground that he was a Christian convert. It had ordered Mr. Raja to stand trial.

The Supreme Court had stayed the High Court decision in 2023.

The court refused to accept the arguments of Congress candidate D. Kumar, who had list the election to Mr. Raja.

Mr. Kumar had challenged the identity of Mr. Raja as a member of the ‘Hindu-Parayan’ community and cast doubts on the validity of the caste certificate of the CPM leader.

In his appeal in the apex court, Mr. Raja had said he was a member of a Scheduled Caste, namely ‘Hindu-Parayan’ by birth and professing Hindu religion all through his life. Mr. Raja said he was born on October 17, 1984, professed the Hindu religion and was accepted by the ‘Hindu-Parayan’ caste as their member.

He had argued that Mr. Kumar had never challenged the authenticity of his documents. The High Court, in its judgment, had not discussed or even referred to the certificates submitted by him while holding that he was not a member of Hindu-Parayan caste.

“Can he be denied the benefit of Scheduled Caste for declaring his election from the Devikulam Legislative Assembly Constituency, which is reserved for the Scheduled Caste, as void, on the basis of an alleged conversion to Christianity which was neither pleaded nor proved by the respondent (Kumar),” the appeal had asked.

The appeal had questioned whether the High Court had been right in denying the benefit of SC status to Mr. Raja in spite of proving the fact that his paternal grandparents had migrated to the erstwhile Travancore State (now Kerala) before 1950 and continued to permanently reside in Kerala thereafter.

A major concern raised by regular passengers is that most conductors in Volvo buses of the BMTC do not move around to issue tickets. 
| Photo Credit: BHAGYA PRAKASH K

Passengers travelling in the premium Volvo and airport buses of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) complain that most conductors, especially on Volvo buses, do not approach passengers to issue tickets. Instead, they remain seated near the door and issue tickets from there, forcing passengers to stand in an unsafe position and risk falling due to sudden jerks or strong acceleration and brakes.

While complaints of refusal to stop at designated bus stops or not returning change are often reported on regular BMTC buses, commuters say that even the much-hyped Volvo services, which are marketed as premium and comfortable, have their own set of problems.

A major concern raised by regular passengers is that most conductors in these buses do not move around to issue tickets. Instead, they remain seated near the front door, and expect passengers to come to them for their tickets, even as the vehicle is moving.

“Once you board the bus, the conductor immediately starts issuing the ticket near the door itself. You are forced to stand right there, even if the bus is jerking or braking hard. It’s very risky. We have seen people stumble or lose balance because there’s nothing to hold on to in that area,” said Preeti M., a daily commuter from Hulimavu to Cubbon Park.

Strong acceleration and sudden braking systems

These buses are known for their strong acceleration and sudden braking systems. Passengers say that standing near the door without proper support while the bus is in motion is hazardous. Despite repeated requests from passengers to issue tickets after they are seated or in a safer area of the bus, conductors allegedly refuse to budge.

“It’s not that we don’t want to buy tickets. But why can’t the conductor just come to us once we are seated or standing safely?” said Harsha N., a tech professional who travels from Banashankari to Hebbal.

“The conductor rudely tells us to come to him instead. It’s insensitive, especially when we’re trying to hold on with one hand and balance ourselves,” he added.

No help regarding luggage

Even the airport-bound Vayu Vajra services, known for their relatively courteous staff and premium pricing, are not immune to complaints. Passengers report similar behaviour from conductors on these routes.

“I was carrying a suitcase and a backpack when I boarded the airport bus at Hebbal. The conductor didn’t bother to help me with the luggage. When I asked him to allow me to be seated before issuing the ticket, he told me: ‘This is how it works. Either take the ticket now or get down. With fares on premium and airport routes being significantly higher than normal services, we expect better service standards and a safer, more respectful experience,” said Ankit Kumar, a frequent flyer.

According to several passengers, some airport bus staff have stopped being as helpful or well-mannered as they used to be, despite dealing with elderly passengers or international travellers unfamiliar with local norms.

A senior BMTC official admitted that these concerns were valid, and the department would look into the matter. “The safety of passengers is our top priority. We expect our conductors to follow protocols that ensure commuter comfort and security,” the official said.

Three dead, several missing after a boat overturned near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said. An Indian family was also affected, while two Indian children are missing. 

In a post on the social media platform X, the Consulate said, “We are very sad to know about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, this morning. As per available information, three people died, nine went missing, and four were injured in the incident. An Indian family is also affected in this tragedy. While two Indian children are missing, the parents are undergoing treatment at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.”

The Consulate is assisting the Indian family that was affected by the incident. 

“The Consulate is providing all necessary assistance to the affected Indian family in coordination with local authorities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy,” it added. 

We are very sad to know about the tragic incident of a boat capsizing near Torrey Pines State Beach, off the coast near San Diego, California, this morning. As per available information, three people died, nine went missing, and four were injured in the incident. An Indian…

— India in SF (@CGISFO) May 5, 2025

Further details are awaited.