Plea In Kerala High Court Challenges Transport Authority's Decision To Implement Uniform Colour Code On All Ambulances

A charitable trust claiming to own a fleet of ambulances has moved the Kerala High Court challenging the Transport Authority's decision to implement uniform colour code on all ambulance vehicles in the State.

With effect from January 1, all new ambulances in Kerala are painted white and comply with other stipulations. So far as old ambulances are concerned, the Authority had decided to implement the colour code on them as and when the vehicle is produced for renewal of fitness certificate.

The petitioner-Trust avers that the Transport Authority is not vested with any power to prescribe a uniform colour code or scheme to Ambulance vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989 or the corresponding Rules. Moreover, it is contended that the Authority has not backed its "unilateral decision" with any reasons.

Single Bench of Justice Murali Purushothaman admitted the matter on Friday and adjourned for hearing on August 2.

The petitioner's case is that mandating a uniform colour code for ambulances would preclude the inclusion of sponsor details on the vehicles and consequently, discourage charitable trusts and other entities from sponsoring ambulances. It is further submitted that while private players are precluded from painting any details on ambulance body, government-owned KSRTC buses are permitted to do the same. The petitioner thus avers that the action is per se discriminatory and in contravention of Article 14 of the Constitution.

The plea has been moved through Advocates P.A. Mohammed Shah, Renoy Vincent, Shahir Showkath Ali, Chelson Chembarathy, Muhamed Junaid V., and Shilu Sebastian.

Case Title: C. H. Muhammed Koya Memorial Charitable Centre  v. State of Kerala & Anr.

Case Number: WP(C) 23750 of 2023