Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Aug 6
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has continued hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the mandatory introduction of the paid HimBus Card for persons with disabilities and other beneficiaries seeking free or subsidised travel in Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses.
The petition, Shobhu Ram Garg versus State of Himachal Pradesh and others (CWPIL No.129 of 2025), questions the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on October 27, 2025, under which eligible passengers are required to obtain a HimBus Card by paying Rs 235 to avail themselves of free or concessional travel facilities.
When the matter first came up on December 23, 2025, the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia observed that the petitioner had submitted a representation seeking exemption for persons with disabilities from the compulsory HimBus Card requirement by allowing them to travel on the basis of the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card. The court permitted respondent No. 4, HRTC, to take a decision on the representation by passing a speaking and reasoned order before the next hearing.
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During the latest hearing on August 4, 2026, counsel appearing for HRTC informed the Bench that, following the decision taken on the representation, persons with disabilities continue to receive free travel facilities according to the prescribed disability percentage. The court was informed that persons with benchmark disabilities of more than 70 per cent are entitled to free travel and, where applicable, a free attendant is also permitted.
HRTC further clarified that visually impaired passengers are entitled to free travel with one attendant both within Himachal Pradesh and on inter-state routes.
After hearing the submissions, counsel for the petitioner sought time to address arguments. Accepting the request, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi listed the matter for further hearing on September 23, 2026.
The PIL raises broader concerns over the requirement that all passengers eligible for free or subsidised travel under various government welfare schemes must obtain the HimBus Card, for which HRTC charges Rs 235. The petitioner has contended that beneficiaries, particularly persons with disabilities already possessing valid UDID cards, should not be compelled to pay for another card merely to access benefits already guaranteed under existing government policies.
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