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Court was hearing a 2017 plea initiated by it in the wake of a news report in July that year, which stated that a visually impaired student had missed his MPhil entrance exam as he was prevented from boarding a coach reserved for persons with disabilities
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Railways to offer free assistance, including wheelchair facilities, to persons with disabilities at stations.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna was hearing a 2017 plea initiated by it in the wake of a news report in July that year, which stated that a visually impaired student had missed his MPhil entrance exam as he was prevented from boarding a coach reserved for persons with disabilities.
Senior Advocate S.K. Rungta, serving as amicus curiae in the matter, pointed out the issue of providing human assistance to persons with visual impairment, saying that while a wheelchair was available, it required a payment of Rs 250.
He submitted that a free wheelchair facility was also being offered by airlines and Delhi Metro to travelers.
The court suggested waiving this amount, stating that wheelchair assistance should be free for people with disabilities.
The Railways' counsel requested time to seek instructions on the matter, after which the court posted the matter for further hearing on December 7, 2023.
Case Title: Court on its own motion v. Union of India & Ors.
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