Charitable Trust Challenges Uniform Colour Code for Ambulances in Kerala HC

A charitable trust, claiming ownership of a fleet of ambulances, has approached the Kerala High Court to challenge the Transport Authority’s decision of implementing a uniform colour code on all ambulance vehicles in the State.

Starting from January 1, all new ambulances in Kerala are required to be painted white and comply with other specified regulations. For existing ambulances, the Authority decided to enforce the colour code whenever the vehicle undergoes renewal for the fitness certificate.

The petitioner-Trust argues that the Transport Authority lacks the authority to prescribe a uniform colour code or scheme for ambulance vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1989, or the corresponding Rules. Additionally, it contends that the Authority has not provided any reasons to support its “unilateral decision.”

A single bench of Justice Murali Purushothaman adjourned the matter for hearing on August 2, 2023.

The petitioner’s main contention is that imposing a uniform colour code would prevent including sponsor details on the vehicles, thereby discouraging charitable trusts and other entities from sponsoring ambulances.

It is further submitted that while private players are prohibited from painting any details on ambulance bodies, government-owned KSRTC buses are allowed to do so. The petitioner argues that this action is discriminatory and violates Article 14 of the Constitution.