The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea that sought a halt for the prestigious Vande Bharat Express at Tirur railway station, located in Kerala's Malappuram district. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Misra, expressed reservations about the court's involvement in determining train stops, emphasizing that such decisions fall under the purview of the Indian Railways.

The plea, which challenged the Kerala High Court's earlier rejection, argued that Tirur railway station was initially allotted a stop for the Vande Bharat Express, as per the Indian Railways' first schedule of train stops. However, the railway authorities subsequently removed the halt at Tirur and assigned it to Shornur railway station in Palakkad district, approximately 56 kilometers away.

The petitioner contended that the change in the halt location was driven by political reasons, resulting in injustice to the residents of Malappuram district. The plea, filed in the Supreme Court by advocates Sriram Parakkat and MS Vishnu Shankar, emphasized the larger public interest at stake, as the decision impacted thousands of citizens residing in Malappuram.

However, the apex court dismissed the plea, maintaining that it would not interfere in decisions concerning train stops. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud remarked, "You want us to decide which train stops it should have. Now we will also take a call on stations from Delhi to Mumbai Rajdhani. Sorry, dismissed."

The Kerala High Court, in its earlier ruling, had stated that determining halting points for trains was the prerogative of the Indian Railways, and individuals did not have a vested right to demand a halt at a specific station.

The dismissal of the plea has sparked outrage among the citizens of Malappuram district, who feel that their legitimate concerns and convenience have been overlooked. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between public interest and administrative decisions, particularly in cases where political considerations come into play.

The case, known as PT Sheejish v Union of India & Ors, has drawn significant attention due to its implications for the citizens of Malappuram district. The Supreme Court's dismissal of the plea underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking redress for issues affecting their daily lives.

In conclusion, while the plea for a halt at Tirur railway station for the Vande Bharat Express has been dismissed, the controversy surrounding the decision continues to stir public sentiment and raises questions about the allocation of resources and the role of the judiciary in matters of public interest.

Case Title: PT Sheejish v Union of India & Ors