SC orders UP government affidavit on bus fire safety compliance

The Supreme Court has issued directives to the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing the action taken against the driver and owner of the sleeper bus that caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida last month, resulting in nine deaths.

The court's intervention comes as authorities continue their investigation into the incident, which raised serious concerns about vehicle safety standards and regulatory oversight in the region's transport operations. The bench sought specific information on the steps taken by state authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent similar incidents in future.

The case has highlighted persistent gaps in safety compliance among commercial bus operators across the country. The Yamuna Expressway, a critical transport corridor, has been the site of multiple accidents over the years, prompting increased scrutiny of vehicle maintenance protocols and driver conduct standards.

The Supreme Court's directive requires the state government to provide a detailed status report on the investigation, remedial actions taken, and measures being implemented to strengthen safety regulations in the transport sector. The affidavit must address the specific circumstances of the fire and demonstrate concrete steps toward preventing such tragedies.