Kochi: The Kerala High Court has sharply criticized the Transport Department for transferring a KSRTC driver over an incident involving a plastic bottle placed inside a bus, calling the action “shocking to the conscience.” The observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by driver Jaymon Joseph challenging the transfer order.

Justice N. Nagaresh questioned the logic behind the disciplinary measure, noting that finding a bottle in front of a bus cannot justify punitive action. “Isn’t it water in the bottle? Isn’t it alcohol? Where else would the water bottle be kept?” the court remarked, emphasizing the need for a valid and rational basis before transferring officials. The court also highlighted that disciplinary action should be reserved for genuine administrative or behavio

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