In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a significant directive, mandating the Union of India and the Center for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law to collaborate on preparing a comprehensive report. This report is to be crafted in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Accessible India campaign, outlining measures to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities across various locations.

The panel overseeing this directive comprises Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice J.B. Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, who addressed a Public Interest Litigation seeking the efficient enforcement of Sections 44 and 45 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The litigation also aimed at adherence to the Supreme Court's 2017 Judgment, which provided comprehensive directives for ensuring accessibility, particularly for the visually impaired, in the country's physical infrastructure.

During the proceedings, it was noted that the majority of States and Union Territories had not submitted plans for ensuring accessibility as directed in the 2017 judgment. The Court expressed strong disapproval of this indifferent attitude, highlighting a lack of seriousness in complying with the outlined directives.

Advocate Mugdha, representing the petitioner, informed the Court that while new affidavits had been submitted by the Central Government, States, and Union Territories, there had been minimal progress in implementing the directives within the specified timelines. Emphasizing NALSAR's capabilities in conducting such assessments, Mugdha called for updated information in the affidavits.

In response, the Chief Justice suggested instructing the submission of updated information and assigning the Center for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law to examine it. However, the petitioner clarified that NALSAR already possessed previous reports and had conducted similar assessments.

In line with the Court's decision, it was ordered that a comprehensive assessment be conducted to evaluate the current situation on the ground. The Court instructed the Center for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law and the Union of India to compile a report outlining necessary steps aligned with the accessible India campaign guidelines. This report should cover the comprehensive accessibility of various locations for persons with disabilities, and its submission is mandated within a timeframe of 6 months.

Furthermore, the Court directed the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to collaborate with NALSAR, providing logistical assistance during the compilation of the report. This directive underscores the Court's commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of measures to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities in various aspects of public life.

Case: Rajive Raturi Versus Union Of India And Others,

W.P.(C) No. 000243 / 2005.