Bombay High Court directs the State Government to conduct training and awareness programmes on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016

All India Handicapped Foundation v. State of Maharashtra | High Court of Judicature of Bombay | Status: Pending |

On observing a lack of sensitivity and duty on the part of the state functionaries, the Bombay High Court directed the State Government to conduct training and sensitivity programmes for those in charge of municipal governance and civic affairs . This direction came in light of the Court's observation that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 was enacted to give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and that 'These rights cannot be frustrated and defeated by a lacklustre attitude and refusal to implement the Law, enacted by Parliament, in right earnest.'

 The High Court directed these trainings to be undertaken by the Social Justice department in consultation with other departments of the State Government. The Court also directed the State Government to involve the Advocates appearing in the matter in these programmes and training sessions. 

This order was passed in a Public Interest Litigation in which the Petitioners sought the implementation of the Maharashtra State Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities, which, amongst other provisions, mandated that the State Government reserve 3% of its funds for welfare schemes for persons with disabilities. 

Attachments

    https://slic.org.in/uploads/2020/09-September/10-Thu/4-11-2019.pdf