Launching a crackdown on Omni bus operators for collecting exorbitant fare from the passengers defying the High Court order, RTO officials in Kumbakonam today impounded an Omni bus and registered case against 36 other Omni bus operators.

A spot fine of Rs. 12,500 was collected from 36 bus operators following detection of various minor offences.

Based on media reports pertaining to collection of exorbitant fare by bus operators, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took up a suo motu public interest litigation and passed an interim order on October 26 restraining them (bus operators) from selling tickets based on their revised fare for 2016-17. “The fare fixed for 2015-16 should be collected,” the Bench had said.

Regional Transport Officer A. Mukkannan and motor vehicle inspector C. Nedumaran conducted a surprise check in the Chennai-bound Omni buses on the Kumbakonam-Chennai Road early this morning and enquired with the passengers.

“It was found that exorbitant fare was being collected from the passengers. We ordered the crew to return to the passengers the extra fare. But, they expressed helplessness as they did not have that much money. Subsequently, we impounded the vehicle and handed over it to the police,” Mukkannan said.

“The passengers were later sent to Chennai in TNSTC bus. We also registered cases against 36 other Omni buses, collected a spot fine of Rs. 12,500 from them following detection of various minor offences,” Mukkannan added.