The Supreme Court orders states to ensure that laws intended to protect people with disabilities are followed
The Supreme Court ordered the states and Union territories (UTs) to guarantee compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, by September 30 after describing the implementation of welfare laws for people with disabilities as “dismal”.
The states and UTs were also instructed to designate chief commissioners to oversee the law’s implementation by a bench made up of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justices P S Narasimha, and Justices Manoj Misra.
The supreme court said that there is a “dismal position across the country” as a result of how the law is currently being implemented.
The Act guarantees the equality and non-discrimination rights of people with disabilities (PWD), in addition to a quota in employment and other assistance measures.
The court was considering a petition requesting that the Act be used to uphold the rights of people with disabilities. It had earlier instructed the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to submit a counter-affidavit on the Act’s application nationwide.
“We order state administrations to swiftly guarantee compliance with Act requirements by September 30. By August 31st, chief commissioners must be chosen, the panel said.
It said that in order to collaborate with all affected state governments and ministries, the Union ministry must provide a status report.
A hearing on the subject has been scheduled on September 18.
