Introduction:

The Delhi High Court has expressed serious concerns over the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) appointing more than 100 individuals with colour blindness as bus drivers. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh sought a personal affidavit from the DTC Chairperson, labeling the matter as “extremely serious” due to its implications on public safety. The court was addressing a plea filed by DTC in 2017 against a driver with colour blindness who was recruited without due consideration.

Arguments:

DTC submitted an application seeking to place additional documents on record, indicating that the driver in question had been found to have colour blindness in October 2008. DTC argued that the driver was declared medically fit by Guru Nanak Hospital and was directed to undergo re-examination by an Independent Medical Board. The driver was terminated in 2011 due to a disability caused by an accident. The court questioned how an individual with colour blindness at the time of recruitment was appointed as a bus driver. DTC’s counsel explained that more than 100 individuals with colour blindness were appointed based on medical certificates from Guru Nanak Hospital. The court expressed displeasure over DTC’s reliance on these certificates, highlighting the wrongful action as the medical certificates contradicted DTC’s own medical department’s test results.

Court’s Judgement:

The court deemed the situation appalling, emphasizing that DTC had neglected to ensure the fitness of its drivers during the appointment process. It directed the DTC Chairperson to submit a personal affidavit, detailing the officer responsible for appointing individuals with colour blindness or those medically unfit for the driver position. The court emphasized the need for due care and caution in such appointments. The matter is scheduled for further hearing On March 22.