Illiterates Banned From Driving Vehicles: Rajasthan HC Cancels Driving Licenses Of All Illiterates

In a first of its ruling by a High Court, all illiterates have been banned from driving any sort of vehicle in Rajasthan.

What are the existing rules for getting a driving license?

And should illiterates be allowed to drive a vehicle?

Rajasthan High Court: No Driving License For Illiterates

Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma from Rajasthan High Court has ruled a verdict, which essentially bans all illiterates from driving any vehicle in the state.

The Judge ordered State Transport Authority to immediately cancel driving licenses of every illiterate in the state.

As per the ruling, if a person doesn’t know how to read and write, then how will he be able to understand road signs, and the directions.

The verdict stated: “The license cannot be allowed to be issued for driving any kind of vehicle to an illiterate person as he is virtually a menace for the pedestrians..”

What Was The Case?

A light vehicle motor vehicle license holder from Rajasthan had petitioned the Rajasthan High Court for allowing the grant of transport vehicle license to him, on the basis that he has been driving vehicle since last 13 years.

While reading the case files, the Judge observed that the petitioner is an illiterate person, and he doesn’t know how to read or write.

This changed everything, and the Judge immediately ordered that not only this petitioner should be allowed to drive commercial and transport vehicles, but his existing driving license should also be canceled.

The verdict stated: “The State Transport Authorities are directed to issue appropriate instructions in this regard laying down guidelines. Action should also be taken where licenses have been issued to persons who are unable to read and write.”

What Existing Rules State?

As per existing Motors Vehicle Act, 1988, a minimum qualification of Class 8th pass is required for getting a transport vehicle or commercial license.

Besides, the person driving a vehicle carrying dangerous or hazardous goods should be able to read or write atleast one Indian language as prescribed in the VIII Schedule of the Constitution, or English.

We couldn’t find any minimum educational qualification for the holder of private vehicle license in India.

Anyways, it is common knowledge that most of the truck and bus drivers in India (which comes under commercial license) are illiterates, as they first join as helpers and then gradually learn driving the vehicle on their own.

And getting a class 8th pass certificate is no big deal in India, especially for drivers who wish to have a commercial license.

Some may also argue that educational qualification is not a sure-shot way to ensure that the driver is good, and despite the fact that most of the drivers of trucks and buses are illiterates, they are doing a great job on the road.

Rajasthan High Court’s ruling on this issue can certainly trigger more debate, and more analysis on this issue.

Do let us know your opinions, by commenting right here!

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