Noida Bus Fire Kills 9 | Allahabad High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance, Seeks Data On Sleeper Bus Permits, Safety Checks
The Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the death of 9 passengers after a sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in the Noida/Greater Noida area and sought detailed information from the Uttar Pradesh Government regarding permits, safety standards and inspections of sleeper buses operating in the State.
A Bench of Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery directed the concerned authorities to provide, among other things, details of sleeper-bus permits issued during the last 2 years, the standards checked before granting such permits, inspections carried out in UP and criminal action taken in similar accidents.
The case has been registered as "In Re: Nine Dead As Bus Erupts In Flames On Yamuna E-Way".
The Bench noted that similar accidents had occurred earlier in the State, including incidents in July 2023 on the Raebareli-Prayagraj-Lucknow Highway, in November 2024 on the Kannauj-Lucknow-Agra Expressway and in December 2025 on the Yamuna Expressway in the Mathura-Greater Noida region.
The Court observed that it appeared that AC sleeper buses were operating “without proper checks and without proper safeguards, such as fire extinguishers, etc. "
It was further observed that bus drivers and conductors did not appear to be adequately trained to act responsibly in such mishaps.
The Court accordingly directed the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Additional Chief Secretary (Transport), Uttar Pradesh, to appear through video conferencing and assist the Court.
The Transport Department informed the Court of the steps taken to check sleeper buses operating in Uttar Pradesh.
The Court, however, observed that there was still "scope of improvement" and directed that regular checking of such buses be intensified.
The Bench was also informed that inspections would be carried out specifically at night, since sleeper buses generally operate at night.
The authorities were further directed to verify whether such buses were stopping at specified or designated places.
The High Court also considered material submitted by the Amicus Curiae and Research Associates regarding the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) applicable to buses.
The Court noted that AIS-052 deals with "General Bus Body Design", AIS-119 with "Sleeper Coach Specifications" and AIS-135 with "Fire Detection and Suppression".
The Bench recorded several requirements contained in these standards, including those relating to emergency exits, gangway dimensions and the design of sleeper coaches.
It was noted that sleeper coaches are required to have 4 or 5 emergency exits, depending on the vehicle's length.
The Court also referred to requirements relating to fire detection and suppression, including automated aerosol/foam systems in the engine bay and low-pressure water mist systems in the passenger cabin. The standards also provide for installation of Driver Drowsiness Alert Systems (ADAS).
Importantly, the Court noted that it had not been informed whether the bus involved in the accident had complied with the relevant mandates.
The Bench directed that if the bus had not complied with the prescribed mandates, appropriate action should be taken not only against the driver and conductor but also against the licensee.
The Court further observed that the authorities could consider even banning buses of such a licensee, depending on the circumstances.
The Chief Secretary assured the Court that he would personally look into the matter and that joint action would be taken.
The Court directed the concerned department to file a consolidated or separate affidavit dealing with several aspects of the operation and regulation of sleeper buses.
The State has been asked to disclose:
• The number of permits issued to sleeper buses in UP during the last three years;
• Whether the prescribed standards were checked before issuing such permits, along with supporting documents;
• Whether the design of sleeper buses had been changed to create additional space in a manner compromising safety;
• Whether sleeper buses were being used for commercial purposes, including carrying parcels;
• The checking points at State borders and steps taken for surprise inspections; and
• Details of inspections conducted within UP.
The Court specifically sought details regarding what was checked during inspections.
The authorities have been asked to disclose whether passengers' statements were recorded, fire extinguishers were present, passengers were informed about emergency gates and drivers and conductors knew the precautions to be taken in case of an accident.
The State has also been directed to provide details of criminal action taken in similar accidents over the last three years, and the outcomes of those proceedings.
The Court clarified that the affidavit should not be confined to these issues and should also set out proposed action and other collective measures necessary to prevent such accidents.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 13.
Case title - In Re Nine Dead As Bus Erupts In Flames On Yamuna E-Way