lawrota.com

Link to ruling:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H-yl3aRFbZfdKUsoS7V5g7iCTh-ELwLQ/view?usp=sharing

In a landmark decision on October 16, the Supreme Court has paved the way for individuals with color blindness to pursue their dreams in the field of electrical engineering. The case involved the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) refusing to appoint a person with color blindness as an Assistant Engineer (Electrical). The Court recognized the limitations of an alternate offer made by TANGEDCO, stating that it did not align with the applicant’s qualifications and was rightfully rejected.

The appellant initially applied for the position of Assistant Engineer (Electrical), with a subsequent medical examination revealing color blindness. Concerns were raised about the appellant’s ability to work with color-coded power cables and wires, a crucial aspect of an engineer’s responsibilities. TANGEDCO denied the appointment, leading the appellant to challenge the decision under Article 226 of the Constitution.

At first, the Madras High Court ruled in favor of the appellant, instructing TANGEDCO to offer him the position. However, TANGEDCO appealed, leading to a reconsideration by the division bench of the Madras High Court. The division bench highlighted the importance of the doctrine of proportionality, finding that TANGEDCO’s decision had a reasonable basis even by modern standards.

The division bench stressed the necessity of quick and accurate decision-making for engineers, particularly in emergencies where they must work with color-coded wires. It argued that color blindness could impair such decision-making and make a person unsuitable for the role. The bench also emphasized that TANGEDCO’s decision did not demonstrate any manifest arbitrariness and cautioned against judicial interference in matters where judges might lack expertise.

In response, the Supreme Court ordered TANGEDCO to appoint the appellant as an Assistant Engineer (Electrical) at an appropriate grade of pay, recognizing the appellant’s qualifications and eliminating the barrier posed by color blindness. The Court further decreed that the appellant would receive 50% of full arrears of salary and allowances and that his service would be reckoned from the original date of appointment with full continuity. This decision sets a significant precedent, ensuring equal opportunities for aspiring engineers irrespective of their color vision.

#SupremeCourt #ColorBlindness #ElectricalEngineering #TANGEDCO #LegalVictory #EqualOpportunities #JudicialPrecedent