New Delhi: In a pivotal ruling, the court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities mandated that any government office in the country, be it at the central, state, or local government level, operating from premises that are not accessible to Divyangjan (person with disabilities), must relocate their services to the ground floor or another accessible location within the same facility.
Welcoming the court decision, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, stated that it underscores the commitment to ensuring equitable access to government services for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
In another case, the court took suo moto cognizance of the ill-treatment of Smrithy Rajesh’s autistic son at Bangalore Airport by Sri Lankan Airlines. The court’s findings revealed a lack of awareness and sensitivity towards the needs of individuals with disabilities on the part of airline employees and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Furthermore, the court highlighted that Sri Lankan Airlines’ policy, if it necessitates medical clearance for select categories of persons with disabilities before boarding a flight, was inconsistent with global Civil Aviation Requirements.
Additionally, the court emphasized that all airlines, whether Indian or foreign, operating in the country were responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, specifically outlined in sections 40 and 41, along with relevant rules and instructions. This underscores the importance of adhering to both the letter and spirit of the law to ensure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities are protected.
These two judgments mark a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and safeguarding the rights of Divyangjan in India. The decisions reflect the commitment of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities to create a more accessible and equitable society for all, the Ministry stated.
– global bihari bureau
