Bombay HC: Legislation for disabled persons must be applied in spirit

The Bombay High Court has said that laws for people with disabilities should not only exist on the statute books but should also be implemented with compassion and flexibility by all authoritiesA division bench of Justices Nitin Jamdar and MM Sathaye on Tuesday directed the railway recruitment cell to process the candidature of a visually challenged woman for the position of assistant in the railways within six weeks overriding the cancellation of her candidature reported PTIAccording to the report the court noted that the case revealed administrative apathy and that it potentially undermined provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 which is intended to help people with disabilitiesThe petitioner Shanta Sonawane appealed against the cancellation of her candidature due to an inaccuracy in the birth year listed on her formPer the PTI report HC noted that in August last year when the plea was first taken up for hearing the court had directed Railways to keep one post vacant pending final disposal of Sonawanes plea and had directed the authorities to reconsider her case However the authorities said her candidature was unacceptable due to the pursuant errorThe court emphasised the necessity of justice in dealing with people with impairments citing affirmative action and equal chances It emphasised that people with disabilities may need changes and accommodations to fulfil their special needs and errors caused by their disability should not lead to discrimination the report further statedAccording to the report the court noted that rejecting Sonawanes request and refusing to correct the error would be a violation of the equality principle and a failure to meet the Acts requirements The court reprimanded the authorities rigid stance encouraging them to be more sensitive and flexible towards disabled peopleThe legislation for the disabled should not merely remain in the statute book rather the spirit behind the legislation must be applied by all authorities in its practical application showing appropriate sensitivity and flexibility the HC saidThe court further stated Individuals such as Sonawane who are 100 per cent visually impaired cannot be expected to stand on an equal footing with other candidates in terms of usual activitiesThe Act of 2016 not only mandates ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities but also making necessary adjustments to meet their specific needsThe court further noting that visually impaired persons may make mistakes due to their disability or their need to rely on others said These errors stemming from their disability should not result in discrimination or unfair treatment by employers Rejecting the applications and then refusing to rectify the mistakes would contravene the principle of equalityBy refusing Sonawanes plea the authorities who were expected to handle the situation with sensitivity and flexibility have failed to discharge their obligation under the Act We therefore find that the rigid stand taken by the respondents is unduly oppressive and harsh and violates the objective of the Act of 2016 the bench said