Archive · 29 Jul 2026
SC Directs Centre to Strengthen Disability Access Rules
The Supreme Court has asked the central government to make stronger rules to help people with disabilities access public places and services.
The court wants the government to consider suggestions from experts to make sure the rules are clear and effective.
The court also told 11 states and union territories to appoint commissioners to help people with disabilities within four weeks.
The next hearing on this issue is in January 2025.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to frame robust rules under Section 40 of the RPWD Act, 2016, for accessibility.
The court asked the Centre to consider suggestions from experts and litigants before finalizing the draft rules.
Eleven states and union territories were directed to appoint state commissioners within four weeks.
The Centre was directed to appoint a chief commissioner and two additional commissioners to oversee rehabilitation.
The next hearing on the PIL is scheduled for January 2025.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Centre, State Governments, Persons with Disabilities
- What
- Directives to strengthen accessibility rules and appoint commissioners under the RPWD Act
- When
- November 8, 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure meaningful access to public spaces and services for persons with disabilities
Government's Stance
Petitioner's Stance
Implementation of Accessibility Standards
Government's Stance
The Centre has been directed to frame mandatory rules under Section 40 of the RPWD Act, 2016, to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Petitioner's Stance
Petitioners argue that the current draft rules have lacunae and need to be made more robust and error-free before finalization.
Appointment of Commissioners
Government's Stance
The Centre has been directed to appoint a chief commissioner and two additional commissioners to oversee the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
Petitioner's Stance
Petitioners highlight the delay in appointing state commissioners in 11 states and union territories, emphasizing the need for strict compliance.
- Act
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016
- Section 40
- Deals with accessibility standards for public places and services
- States with Unappointed Commissioners
- Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar, Tamil Nadu
- Deadline for Appointments
- Four weeks
- Next Hearing
- January 2025