Bus Drivers Suing SBS Had Tried to Look for Other Lawyers But None Took Their Case

As people focus on the buses coming into Singapore from the causeway today, you might have forgotten about another high-profile bus-related story that’s scheduled to take place today.

Last Monday, the trial of 13 bus drivers suing SBS Transit was cut short after their then lawyer, Mr M Ravi, discharged himself, and requested that the judge “disqualify” herself, too.

The case was then adjourned to today, and in seven days, many things happened.

The drivers said that they were “very embarrassed” at how Mr Ravi had treated the judge and SBS’s lawyer, and they themselves have fired Mr Ravi and therefore had to look for a new lawyer before today’s hearing.

They then found Lim Tean, and it turned out that it wasn’t an easy search.

Bus Drivers Suing SBS Had Tried to Look for Other Lawyers But None Took Their Case

Today, their lawyer, Lim Tean, told the High Court that the bus drivers intend to continue with the legal action. In addition, despite what Mr Ravi had said last Monday, his client has no intention to ask the judge to recuse herself.

What Mr Ravi had said was apparently not the client’s instructions.

With that, the case will be adjourned for a pre-trial conference in mid-December.

According to The Straits Times, Mr Chua, the lead plaintiff of the case (think of him as the leader of the drivers), had spoken to a few lawyers (at least five) a day after Mr Ravi’s outburst in court, but none had wanted to take up the case.

He eventually engaged Mr Lim after a friend referred Mr Lim to him.

In addition, he’s also lodged a complaint to the Law Society and has also made a police report against Mr Ravi.

According to CNA, the Law Society is closely monitoring “matters concerning Mr M Ravi. The society is considering these matters and will take appropriate action.”

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What Happened

In 2019, 13 bus drivers sued SBS Transit over overtime pay and working hours. They claimed that they were made to work without a rest day each week and that they were also underpaid for overtime work.

A scheduled four-day hearing into the lawsuit began last Monday, but people weren’t focusing on the facts of the case, but Mr Ravi’s conduct.

Other than calling SBS’ lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh, a clown, he even claimed that the judge is bias, and said that he and his client (the SBS drivers) would be discharging themselves from the case.

“My client said he doesn’t have faith in the system,” Mr Ravi said, adding that there was a breach of the right to a fair trial.

“I’m not participating in these proceedings. You can pass whatever judgment you want. I’m retiring soon,” he said earlier.

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Featured Image: Facebook (Lim Tean)