New Delhi, Oct. 24 -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of allegations that unsafe and potentially non-compliant AC sleeper buses are being used under the Punjab government's Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana, which facilitates pilgrimage for senior citizens and economically disadvantaged people.

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the commission had received a complaint alleging that the buses did not meet the required safety standards, with concerns over unauthorised structural modifications, partitions between the driver's cabin and passenger compartment, obstruction of emergency exits and windows, and deficiencies in essential fire detection, suppression and emergency evacuation arrangements.

"The buses be...