The Delhi High Court has taken a stern stance against the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) for appointing a color-blind person as a bus driver and allowing him to operate buses for three years. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh expressed deep concern over the matter, emphasizing the gravity of public safety implications. The court deemed the negligence on the part of the DTC as "very disheartening" and called for a detailed explanation.
The case revolves around a color-blind driver whose services were terminated in January 2011 following an accident. Color-blind individuals face challenges in differentiating between colors, particularly red and green, which is crucial for traffic signals.
Justice Singh highlighted the need for the DTC chairperson to file a personal affidavit after conducting a thorough investigation. The court seeks detailed information on the officer responsible for the 2008 recruitment of the color-blind driver. The court criticized the DTC for not ensuring that its drivers are fit for the position, particularly in terms of public safety.
The court inquired about the circumstances under which the respondent was appointed and why the DTC relied on a medical certificate issued by Guru Nanak Hospital. It was revealed that more than 100 color-blind individuals were appointed based on similar certificates. The court condemned the wrongful action of relying on certificates that contradicted the medical test certificate issued by the DTC's own medical department.
Furthermore, the court expressed dismay at the delayed response of the petitioner, as it took until 2013 to constitute an independent medical board. The court termed this as a "sorry state of affairs" and emphasized the need for the DTC to prioritize the safety of the public in its recruitment processes. The case underscores the importance of thorough medical evaluations to ensure the fitness of individuals appointed to critical positions, especially those involving public safety.