The Bench was dealing with a plea filed by an organisation of drivers, Chaalak Shakti challenging Rule 7 of DMV Rules, 1993 as well as permit conditions as notified in SO 415(E) issued on June 8, 1989 under section 88(11)(ii) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Rule 7 of the DMV Rules prescribes that while on duty, driver of a public service vehicle, other than State Transports Undertaking, shall wear khaki uniforms with a name plate in Hindi affixed on it.
The permit conditions notified in 1989 stated that drivers of tourist vehicles shall wear white uniform in summers and blue or grey in winters.
It was argued that there was lack of clarity about the colour of the uniform, fabric, details of trimming and accessories and whether the uniform should be pant-shirts, safari suits or kurta-pajamas.
The petitioners also contended that forcing the drivers of autos and taxis to wear uniform amounted to an affront to the constitutional freedom under Article 14 (right to equality), 19 (freedom to carry on trade or profession) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.
Source: Barandbench
