The Supreme Court Today (Aug 27) sought the response of the Central and State governments and Union Territories to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking braille labelling on medicine packs. CJI issued notice the Ayush, Consumer Affairs, Finance, Electronics, Food Processing and Health Ministries in the matter.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Central and State governments, as well as Union Territories, in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) petition that advocates for the inclusion of Braille labelling on medicine packages.
The petition seeks to make it easier for visually impaired individuals to identify and obtain information about medications independently.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra also extended the notice to several key ministries involved in the matter, including the Ministries of Ayush, Consumer Affairs, Finance, Electronics, Food Processing, and Health.
During the hearing, the counsel for the petitioner emphasized the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, who often have to rely on others to understand and access information about their medications.
After considering the arguments, the Bench directed,
“Issue notice. Serve on the central agency.”
This PIL is not the only one addressing health and safety concerns before the Supreme Court. Another pending PIL seeks to mandate frontside warning labels on packaged food items, indicating their levels of salt, sugar, and fat, to promote healthier consumer choices.
The PIL seeking Braille labeling on medicine packs is a significant step towards ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Medicine is a critical area where accurate information is crucial, and the inability to independently identify and understand medication poses serious risks.
Implementing Braille labeling would empower visually impaired people to manage their health more autonomously and reduce their dependency on others.
The Supreme Court’s decision to seek responses from both Central and State governments, as well as various ministries, indicates the recognition of the broader implications of this issue. It’s essential that health and consumer policies consider the needs of all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Moreover, this case highlights the importance of making healthcare accessible at all levels, not just through physical infrastructure but also by ensuring that information is available in formats that cater to different needs. If the court mandates Braille labeling, it could set a precedent for other areas where accessibility is lacking, pushing for more inclusive practices across industries.
The other pending PIL regarding frontside warning labels on packaged foods also underscores a growing awareness of the need for better consumer information, particularly related to health. Both cases reflect a broader trend towards demanding more transparency and accessibility in consumer goods, which is a positive development.
In summary, these PILs align with a more inclusive vision of society, where the needs of all individuals are considered in the design and regulation of products and services. The outcome of these cases could pave the way for more such initiatives that enhance accessibility and public health.
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