LI Network
Published on: 27 July 2023 at 13:10 IST
The Delhi High Court has expressed its concern and dissatisfaction over the “casual, cavalier, and insensitive manner” in which the authorities handle matters related to persons with disabilities.
It remarked on the “sorry state of affairs” despite the existence of various government welfare schemes meant for the welfare of citizens.
The court made these observations while hearing a plea filed by ‘Toshiyas,’ a society dedicated to the welfare of persons with disabilities, seeking the implementation of an order passed by the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) on October 25, 2019.
The petitioner society urged the Centre and the railways to take effective measures for the proper employment of people with disabilities in compliance with the 2019 order.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh expressed his disappointment, stating that the Government of India formulates several schemes for the welfare of society and its citizens, but the burden of seeking implementation and execution falls on the citizens themselves, as seen in the present case.
The court was informed that the respondent authorities were not cooperating in the speedy disposal of the case, which has been pending since last year, leaving the petitioners struggling to have their grievances addressed.
Notably, the order seeking execution was issued in 2019, yet no representative from the authorities was present to address the issue before the court.
Justice Singh highlighted the casual approach of the authorities in the matter, citing previous instances where no instructions, counter affidavit, or reply was filed despite ample time given to them. He expressed sorrow over the situation where persons with disabilities, who are also citizens of the country with an order in their favor, are compelled to run from pillar to post to seek implementation of their rights.
Taking the sensitivity of the case into account, the high court directed the Additional Solicitor General to represent the respondents and assist the court in effectively adjudicating the matter. The court granted time to the law officer to provide clear and definite instructions and scheduled the next hearing for August 10.