POWERS AND DUTIES OF CORPORATIONCentral

Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950

Carriage of mails.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 (4 of 1939), a Corporation shall, if so required by the Central Government, carry mails at such rates and on such terms and conditions as may be specified in this behalf by 1[that Government].

Summary

The Corporation is legally required to carry government mail if the Central Government asks it to.
This requirement to carry mail applies regardless of what might be written in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939.
The Central Government has the power to set the specific rates for carrying the mail.
The Central Government also determines the terms and conditions under which the mail service will be provided.

Practical examples

1The Central Government sends an order to the State Road Transport Corporation on August 1, 2026, requiring all buses on the rural hill routes to carry postal bags to remote villages. Even if the Corporation would rather use that space for luggage, they must comply.

2A new transport body is told they must deliver mail between two major cities. The Central Government specifies that they will be paid 5 rupees per bag and that the bags must be kept in a locked compartment. The Corporation must follow these rules exactly.

FAQ

1. Can a transport corporation refuse to carry mail under Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950?

No, Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, states that a Corporation shall carry mails if required by the Central Government.

2. Who decides the pay for carrying mail under Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950?

According to Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, the Central Government specifies the rates for carrying mails.

3. Does the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, stop a Corporation from carrying mail under Section 21 of the Road Transport Act?

No, Section 21 of the Road Transport Act applies notwithstanding anything contained in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, meaning it takes priority.

Test yourself

1.Under Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, which authority has the power to require a Corporation to carry mails?

2.According to Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, what determines the rates for mail carriage?

3.Under Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, which law is specifically mentioned as being overridden if there is a conflict regarding mail carriage?

4.Under Section 21 of The Road Transport Corporations Act, 1950, who specifies the "terms and conditions" for carrying mail?

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