Chennai: Madras high court has censured Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Salem) for refusing to provide an alternate job to a driver declared unfit to drive heavy vehicles due to spine surgery. Justice A D Maria Clete also imposed a cost of 10,000 for prolonging the litigation with unsubstantiated allegations. “It is deeply concerning a state-owned entity has compelled individuals with disabilities to undergo undue hardship merely to enforce a statutory right granted under the law,” the court said.
TNSTC moved a plea challenging a Salem labour court order directing it to provide an alternate job to C Subramanian. Despite a report by a duly constituted medical board, the labour court relied on other reports and ordered cancellation of his licence. Subsequently, another medical board opined he was unfit to drive heavy vehicles. Recording the submissions, the court said, “Based on the driver’s experience, there appears to be little indication the corporation is genuinely committed to the welfare of employees with disabilities arising from their employment.” The court then dismissed the TNSTC’s plea.