Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court‘s principal seat in Jodhpur has issued a stay on the appointment of Purusottam Sharma as Transport Commissioner while he serves as Managing Director of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). The interim ruling was passed by Justice Anand Sharma on April 28, responding to a petition from the All India Tourist Permit Bus Owners Association.Counsel for the petitioner, Mohit Singhvi, argued that Sharma’s dual role violated Section 68(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which prohibits individuals with financial interests in transport undertakings from being appointed to state or regional transport authorities. Singhvi emphasized, “As RSRTC chief, the officer has a direct stake in transport operations and cannot function impartially as Transport Commissioner.“The petition also referenced a Supreme Court ruling advocating for impartiality in transport authority decisions. In contrast, the state government contended that the Transport Commissioner is not the sole authority for transport policy. However, it acknowledged the Commissioner’s significant influence over regional transport authorities.The court’s order not only stays Sharma’s dual charge but also prohibits him from acting as Transport Commissioner until further notice. The case is slated for next hearing on May 18, 2026.
