Plea Seeking Directions For Ensuring Vaccination Access For Persons With Disabilities: Supreme Court Issues Notice To Centre

Mehal Jain

20 Sept 2021 11:25 AM IST

  • Plea Seeking Directions For Ensuring Vaccination Access For Persons With Disabilities: Supreme Court Issues Notice To Centre

    The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Union of India on a writ petition seeking to bring focus upon the steps which are required to ensure ease of access to vaccination to persons with disabilities in order to protect them as well against COVID.The bench headed by Justice D. Y. Chandrachud noted that the petitioner has indicated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016...

    The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Union of India on a writ petition seeking to bring focus upon the steps which are required to ensure ease of access to vaccination to persons with disabilities in order to protect them as well against COVID.

    The bench headed by Justice D. Y. Chandrachud noted that the petitioner has indicated the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 which embodies the principle of reasonable accommodation.
    The bench recorded that the reliefs sought in the petition are-
    (1) the facility to be vaccinated at their homes, to the extent feasible
    (2) preference in scheduling for vaccination
    (3) a dedicated helpline for this purpose, in addition to COWIN
    (4) accessibility to vaccination centres
    Noting that since the plea raises substantial questions dealing with rights of the disabled, the bench issued notice to the UOI, listing the matter after 2 weeks. The bench also directed the SG to assist the court as to what steps have already been taken and those which could be taken to assuage the concerns.
    The bench, however, was not inclined to issue notice to the states immediately, noting that the same would delay the hearing by 2 months, as against the matter having been posted for 2 weeks later at present. "Ultimately, it is the UOI which will formulate the policy", told Justice Chandrachud.
    Case Title: Evara Foundation v. Union of India & Ors.

    Click Here To Read/ Download Order



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