Facts
The applicants’ lands were acquired by the West Central Railway for the construction of a railway line
Source reference: p. 2Under the prevailing Railway policy, one family member of the displaced family was entitled to employment assistance
Source reference: p. 2-3The applicants applied and underwent medical examinations in January 2021
Source reference: p. 3Both were declared unfit in the 'Bee-One' (B-1) medical category due to vision issues
Source reference: p. 3The applicants challenged this via representations, arguing that other candidates with lower medical fitness (B-2, C-1, C-2) were previously considered for appointment
Source reference: p. 3The respondents rejected these representations on October 29, 2021, stating that as per the current notification and safety requirements, only B-1 or higher medical standards are acceptable
Source reference: p. 3-4Issues
1. Whether the respondents are legally obligated to consider the applicants for appointment in lower medical categories (B-2, C-1, or C-2) if they fail to meet the 'Bee-One' (B-1) standard
Source reference: p. 5-62. Whether the change in policy and the demand for higher medical standards for safety categories are within the administrative prerogative of the Railways
Source reference: p. 6Law Applied
The court primarily applied Clause 4(ix) and 5(xi) of the Railway Notification dated 14.10.2016, which mandates that appointments in lieu of land acquisition be restricted to "Safety Categories" requiring a medical fitness level of 'Bee-One' and above
Source reference: p. 3, 5It also took note of RBE No. 193/2019 dated 11.11.2019, which replaced the earlier employment assistance scheme
Source reference: p. 4Additionally, the court acknowledged the principle from the Hon’ble High Court of Madhya Pradesh in Misc. Petition No. 6992 of 2025, noting that the extent of land acquired and its impact on livelihood are relevant factors in such claims
Source reference: p. 4-5Reasoning
The Tribunal found that the applicants failed to meet the specific medical standard ('Bee-One') required for the "Safety Category" posts as per the recruitment notification
Source reference: p. 5Regarding the applicants' argument on parity with or historical appointments of candidates in lower medical brackets, the respondents clarified that such instances occurred when vacancies existed under those specific categories, but current policy strictly requires 'Aye-Two' or 'Bee-One' standards
Source reference: p. 5The Tribunal reasoned that it is the exclusive prerogative of the employer (Railways) to determine the medical standards necessary for operational safety
Source reference: p. 6Consequently, the court cannot compel the respondents to lower established medical standards to accommodate specific individuals
Source reference: p. 6Holding
The Tribunal answered the issues in the negative, holding that the applicants have no right to demand appointment in a lower medical category than what is prescribed for the safety posts
The Tribunal affirmed the respondents' authority to fix and adhere to medical standards. Both Original Applications were dismissed, and no relief was granted to the applicants
Source reference: p. 6Original Court PDF
RISHI PRATAP SINGHvsWEST CENTRAL RAILWAY
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