Recently, the Supreme Court took action by sending a notice in response to a plea. This plea seeks directives for the Bar Council of India (BCI) and State Bar Councils throughout the nation to compile data regarding lawyers with disabilities. The objective of this initiative is to advance the goals outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
The Bench cpmprising, CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra sought replies from the BCI and the State Bar Councils on the issue.
The petition requested the collection of data on lawyers with disabilities with the aim of formulating a policy that ensures they can access the same benefits as their fellow advocates.
The petitioner, Fateh Mohit Whig, who is a lawyer with special abilities, informed the court through his representative, Advocate Shashank Singh, that he had previously submitted a request to the BCI concerning this matter. However, he received no response to his representation.
The petitioner has further stated that according to Chapter II, Section 7 (1)(d) of the Bar Council of India's functions, it is mandated "to safeguard the rights, privileges, and interests of advocates" and that this provision does not differentiate between advocates with disabilities and other advocates.
"Data collection of lawyers who are persons with disabilities with respect to their disability is essential for increasing their representation in the bar, addressing their specific needs, providing support, advocating for their rights, informing policy development, and challenging stereotypes," reads the plea.
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