Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery of the Allahabad High Court has directed Uttar Pradesh state officials to submit an affidavit by October 13, 2026, regarding the operation of sleeper buses in the region. The court’s intervention follows a fatal incident in Noida that has raised concerns about the safety and regulation of these vehicles.

The court is specifically seeking a comprehensive report on the number of sleeper bus permits issued by the state government over the past three years. Beyond the raw data, the court has demanded clarification on whether the mandatory safety standards were verified prior to the issuance of these permits. Furthermore, the court expressed concern regarding the operational side of the industry, noting that bus staff often lack the necessary training to handle emergency situations effectively.

While the court’s directive focuses on administrative accountability, it highlights a broader concern regarding the lack of oversight for sleeper buses currently operating on state roads. The state government is now required to explain the current regulatory framework and how they ensure that vehicles meet the legal requirements for passenger safety. No official response from the transport department has been released regarding the specific failures mentioned by the court, but the upcoming affidavit is expected to outline the state's current verification process and any planned policy changes to prevent further accidents.