Archive · 21 Nov 2025
India's Constitution Criticized for Ableism
Some people think the Indian Constitution is not fair to people with disabilities.
A new book shows that disabled people were not included when the Constitution was made.
The Constitution has rules that make it hard for disabled people to work and stay in their jobs.
Even laws and court decisions can be unfair to disabled people.
Experts say we should talk about this on Constitution Day and try to fix it.
The Indian Constitution is accused of being ableist, marginalizing people with disabilities.
A recent book, 'Assembling India’s Constitution', highlights the exclusion of disabled people in the Constitution's creation.
The Constitution places people with disabilities with the unemployable and allows removal from office due to 'infirmity'.
Legislation and court judgments often perpetuate ableist attitudes, selectively extending disability rights.
Experts call for acknowledging and addressing constitutional ableism on Constitution Day.
- Who
- People with disabilities, experts, and the Indian government
- What
- Criticizing the Indian Constitution for ableism and calling for change
- When
- Presently, with a focus on Constitution Day (November 26)
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address the marginalization of people with disabilities in the Constitution and society
Disability Rights Advocates
Government and Mainstream Society
Constitutional Ableism
Disability Rights Advocates
The Constitution marginalizes disabled people and perpetuates ableist attitudes.
Government and Mainstream Society
The Constitution provides equal citizenship and adult franchise, which should take care of disabled people.
Selective Disability Rights
Disability Rights Advocates
Disability rights are often extended selectively, based on able-nationalist expectations rather than constitutional principles.
Government and Mainstream Society
Recent judgments and schemes appear progressive, celebrating disabled individuals who fit a nationalist narrative.
- Constitution Day
- November 26
- Book
- Assembling India’s Constitution by Rohit De and Ornit Shani
- Legislation
- Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995; Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016