The war of words erupted after the NHRC took cognisance of allegations that AC sleeper buses deployed under Punjab's pilgrimage scheme had serious safety deficiencies.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo (left) and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal. (File photo)
New Delhi,Oct 24, 2026 20:16 IST
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Saturday launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal over alleged safety violations in buses operating under the Punjab government's Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana.
Responding to Kejriwal's criticism of the NHRC's intervention, Kanoongo accused him of prioritising commissions over passenger safety and warned that anyone endangering citizens' lives could face legal consequences.
The war of words erupted after the NHRC took cognisance of allegations that AC sleeper buses deployed under Punjab's pilgrimage scheme had serious safety deficiencies.
The commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Transport, seeking an inquiry into the alleged violations and corrective action.
In his response on X, Kanoongo said, "Don't be afraid, Arvind! We haven't yet launched an investigation into the commissions you're getting from running these buses".
He said the NHRC had been examining safety concerns involving sleeper buses following fatal fire incidents across the country.
According to Kanoongo, the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, had informed the commission that partitions separating drivers from passengers in sleeper buses were dangerous and contrary to safety guidelines.
Citing an instance in which a fire reportedly broke out at the rear of a bus without the driver realising it, Kanoongo said the commission had been taking action against non-standard buses for the past year.
He claimed that around 1,000 such buses had been removed from operation or subjected to restrictions across the country.
Kanoongo also questioned the Punjab Transport Department's response from January 2026, which, he said, stated that no sleeper coach buses were registered in the state.
He argued that the response raised questions about how the buses under scrutiny were operating and justified the need for an investigation.
"Don't take commissions and ensure safe bus travel—that's all there is to it," Kanoongo wrote, accusing Kejriwal of playing with the lives of innocent citizens. He added that anyone whose actions endangered lives could face imprisonment.
KEJRIWAL QUESTIONS NHRC’S INTERVENTION
Earlier, Kejriwal had questioned the NHRC's decision to inspect buses being used for pilgrimages in Punjab, alleging that the agency was selectively targeting the state government.
In his post on X, Kejriwal said the NHRC had inspected Punjab's "super deluxe buses" used to transport pilgrims but had not conducted similar inspections of Uttar Pradesh Roadways buses or buses operated by other states.
He questioned why the commission had focused on Punjab's pilgrimage buses and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to obstruct pilgrimages for elderly people.
"Modi ji, why are you so bent on stopping the elderly's pilgrimages? Why do you take the elderly's sighs? It will bring a lot of sin," Kejriwal wrote, adding that Punjabis would curse those responsible.
The Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana is intended to facilitate pilgrimages for senior citizens and economically disadvantaged people.
The allegations have therefore triggered a wider debate over passenger safety in a welfare programme designed to make religious travel accessible to vulnerable groups.
NHRC FLAGGED SAFETY VIOLATIONS
The complaint before the NHRC raises concerns about alleged unauthorised structural modifications to the buses, including partitions and doors separating the driver's cabin from the passenger compartment. It also points to possible obstructions to emergency exits and windows, along with deficiencies in fire detection, fire suppression and emergency evacuation arrangements.
The commission has sought responses from the Punjab Chief Secretary and the Union Transport Ministry Secretary following reports of safety lapses involving pilgrim buses in Mansa and Amritsar.
The NHRC has stressed that welfare initiatives must not compromise passenger safety and called for corrective measures and a comprehensive report on the matter.
The notices place the spotlight on whether the buses comply with prescribed transport and safety standards, particularly those governing sleeper coaches and emergency access.
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