The Supreme Court has issued a strong admonition to states and Union territories regarding their delays and lack of action in enforcing disability rights. The Court has set a final deadline for compliance and warned that senior officials could be summoned for non-compliance as it seeks to ensure accountability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016.
A panel of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was reviewing a series of petitions led by the Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation. The Court was focusing on the implementation of its earlier ruling from September 12, 2025, which included the appointment of nodal officers and compliance with legal obligations affecting individuals with disabilities.
The bench stated, “Continued inaction not only undermines this Court’s authority but also defeats the very purpose of the directives issued. The relevant authorities must act swiftly and responsibly, considering the significance of this matter,” during the proceedings on April 28.
The hearing also tackled an important issue regarding the reservation policy for individuals with benchmark disabilities, specifically addressing whether candidates selected based on merit should be counted against the reserved quotas. The Union government clarified that candidates who qualify on their own merit, without benefiting from relaxed standards, should be allocated to unreserved positions rather than the reserved spots for those with disabilities.
Agreeing with this approach, the Supreme Court affirmed the “own merit” principle, recognizing that it maintains a balance between equality and the purpose of reservations, ensuring that high-achieving candidates are not disadvantaged while still providing support for those in need.
The Supreme Court instructed national law universities (NLUs) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of compliance under a program named “Project Ability Empowerment.” National Law University Delhi has been specifically directed to monitor compliance by the Union government, with the requirement that a senior official from the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment participate in this evaluation.
The Court stressed that this assessment must involve a thorough evaluation of the implementation of rights, accessibility initiatives, and institutional frameworks, rather than simply serving as a formality.
This matter is scheduled for further consideration on September 22, when updated reports from the national law universities are anticipated to be submitted.
This ruling highlights the Supreme Court’s ongoing commitment to ensure that legal protections for individuals with disabilities are effectively translated into enforceable rights in practice.
Vineet Upadhyay is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he focuses on specialized reporting on the Indian judicial system.
With extensive experience in legal journalism, Vineet has dedicated much of his career to analyzing the complexities of law, aiming to clarify significant Supreme Court rulings and those from various High Courts and District Courts. His reporting encompasses a wide range of legal topics, including:
- Constitutional & Civil Rights: Coverage of landmark decisions on privacy, equality, and state accountability.
- Criminal Justice & Enforcement: In-depth reporting on high-profile cases involving agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), NIA, and POCSO matters.
- Consumer Rights & Environmental Law: Authoritative articles on issues such as medical negligence compensation, environmental protection (including the “living person” status of rivers), and labor rights.
With over a decade of professional experience, Vineet previously held the position of Principal Correspondent/Legal Reporter at The Times of India and has had significant roles at The New Indian Express. His reporting career has taken him to critical legal centers, including Delhi and Uttarakhand.
