The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government and the IRDA regarding a petition from Sanvedana Foundation, challenging the exclusion of epilepsy from health insurance. The petition argues this exclusion violates fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21, threatening equality and access to treatment for individuals with epilepsy.
An acid attack survivor, Pragya Prasun, won a Supreme Court ruling affirming digital access as a fundamental right under Article 21 after being denied a bank account due to her inability to blink. This landmark decision emphasizes the need for inclusive digital services and addresses the challenges faced by disabled individuals in accessing essential services.
Former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud highlighted personal and societal challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during a panel discussion. He shared his family’s journey in accommodating his daughters’ needs while advocating for greater empathy in the judiciary. He emphasized inclusivity, proposed reforms to disability laws, and the importance of mental health awareness.
On April 10, 2025, Mission Accessibility will host a discussion titled ‘Disability Rights and Beyond’ featuring Dr DY Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India. The event aims to address disability rights, accessibility challenges, and promote inclusive legal frameworks for persons with disabilities at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
The Karnataka High Court has mandated prioritizing ‘absolutely blind’ individuals over those with ‘low vision’ in job recruitment to ensure equal opportunities based on qualifications. The ruling arises from a case involving H.N. Latha, who challenged her job rejection, reinforcing the need for inclusive hiring practices that recognize the strengths of blind candidates.
In an exclusive interview, outgoing Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud discussed the balance between regulating hate speech and preserving free expression. He defended India’s reservation system for promoting equality, emphasized the judiciary’s role in democracy, and underscored the importance of fair compensation for judges, acknowledging his contributions to rights and transparency during his tenure.
Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, delivered a poignant farewell to retiring Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasizing his significant contributions and legacy surpassing that of his father. Sibal praised Chandrachud’s commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity, marking his tenure as impactful and progressive within India’s judiciary.
On Wednesday(18th Sept), The Supreme Court of India urged the Union government and NMC to adopt a compassionate approach for disabled medical aspirants. It directed the admission of a candidate with 45% speech and language disability, stressing that rigid rules should not bar individuals with physical impairments from pursuing their goals.
Today, On 16th August, The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for not activating the state advisory board on disabilities, despite previous court orders. The court emphasized the importance of implementing the board’s functions and expressed concern over the government’s inaction. This issue arose during the court’s consideration of challenges faced by disabled individuals, highlighting the broader issue of compliance with disability rights.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stressed the need to revamp architectural designs and institutional resources to combat systemic ableism. He highlighted challenges like narrow lift doors that hinder accessibility for people with disabilities. Chandrachud emphasized the importance of recognizing and overcoming systemic ableism for a more inclusive society and praised initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.
