M.T.Abdulla vs The Regional Transport Authority on 31 January, 2014
Petitioner had submitted Ext.P5 application for
replacement of the vehicle KL 18/J 4878 with KL 56/G
9654. The RTA rejected the application by Ext.P1 stating
the reason that since the vehicle sought to be put in the
route is one obtained on lease, the replacement would be
adverse to public interest since the lease could be
terminated at any time. By judgment in M.Raveendran v.
R.T.O & another (1995 (1) KLJ 96), this Court
considered an identical issue and found that it is enough
that the applicant has a valid agreement for holding the
vehicle and is in legal possession of the same. Registered
ownership cannot hence be a statutory mandate.