The Delhi High Court has requested a personal affidavit from the Chairperson of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) regarding the hiring of over 100 individuals with color blindness for the position of bus drivers.

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, emphasizing the "extremely serious" nature of the matter as it pertains to public safety.

“It is very disheartening for this Court to witness such negligence on the part of the petitioner department (DTC) in appointing its driver,” the court

The court was addressing a petition filed by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) in 2017 regarding one of its drivers who was found to have color blindness during the recruitment process.

DTC submitted an application to include specific additional documents in the record, indicating that in October 2008, the driver was diagnosed with both DDV and DNV.

Additionally, DTC requested to include in the record a document stating that the driver was deemed medically fit by Guru Nanak Hospital. Furthermore, the document indicated that the driver was instructed to undergo a re-examination by an independent Medical Board for further medical assessment.

In January 2011, the driver was terminated from service as a result of an accident that led to a 30% disability for the victim.

Subsequently, the court queried DTC's counsel about the appointment process, questioning how an individual with color blindness at the time of recruitment was selected for the position of a driver.

In response, it was explained that the driver, along with more than 100 others with color blindness, had submitted medical certificates from Guru Nanak Hospital, affirming their fitness. Consequently, these individuals were appointed as drivers. In light of this, an independent medical board was established on April 13, 2013, to address the matter.

The court noted that DTC had appointed the driver despite being unfit for the position due to color blindness, solely relying on the medical certificate from Guru Nanak Hospital.

In light of the observation that DTC should have exercised due care and caution to ensure the fitness of its drivers, the court directed the Chairperson of the department to submit a personal affidavit. This affidavit, following a thorough investigation, should outline the particulars of the officer accountable for appointing individuals with color blindness or those medically unfit for the position of a driver.

The matter will now be heard on March 22.

Case Title: DELHI TRANSPORT CORPORATION v. CHET RAM