Delhi HC allows breath analyser test by air traffic controllers

In wake of coronavirus pandemic, The Delhi High Court had suspended the breath analyser test through tube process. It has now allowed the breath analyser test through tube process by air traffic controllers. Justice Navin Chawla has allowed the application of DGCA seeking modification of the earlier order and to implement the medical report of Directorate General of Medical Services (DGMS). As per the DGMS medical board’s recommendation, one machine will be used per person and not used again for the next 12 hours. The court said that the interest of ATCs and passengers has to be balanced and also noted that BAT is being presently conducted on pilots also in a restricted manner. The application was filed in pending petition by the Air Traffic Controllers'' Guild (India), represented through Advocates Piyush Sanghi and Khushbu Sahu, seeking direction to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to temporarily suspend the BAT through the current tube process to prevent further spread of the virus. Also Read | 60 doctors in Faridkot medical college test COVID ve, 300 medics demand safety equipment The petitioner had said that on a random basis, 10 per cent of the ATCs are subjected to the BAT, which uses equipment that could result in the spread of Covid-19. -PTC News