Public Utilities Commission v. Pollak

A congressionally franchised private transit company began broadcasting radio programs to bus and streetcar passengers in Washington, D.C.; the Public Utilities Commission (defendant), the government agency overseeing the transit company, investigated whether the broadcasts were consistent with public convenience and safety and found no problem, dismissing the inquiry, and a group of passengers (plaintiffs) appealed, arguing the broadcasts deprived them of liberty without due process. The court of appeals reversed the Commission's dismissal, and the Commission sought Supreme Court review.