[DRAFT] Specially Abled online classes/examination by Educational Institutions.

Supreme Court today, while hearing a plea seeking enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Article 14 & 21 of specially-abled students, with regards to conduct of online classes/examination by Educational Institutions,

A bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice CT Ravikumar

The petition has been filed stating, "While persons with disabilities have been struggling in every field during this pandemic and the issues of lack of digital accessibility and exclusion of persons with disabilities have never stared us at our face as during these times, the question of introducing inclusive technologies for a post COVID world in the field of education is the most crucial owing to the impact it would have on generations to come"

The petition is moved in light of the change in pattern adopted due to the ongoing pandemic, focussing on challenges faced by students with disability.

“The universities, college are conducting online classes during the pandemic without considering the various challenges faced by students with disabilities and meeting their access needs and without providing reasonable accommodations to them. Students with disabilities are in a deplorable state with no access to lectures, study materials or assistance for those students who need individualised support,” the plea states.

A writ of Mandamus is sought against the Respondents to issue specific guidelines to all States/UTs/Academic Institutions to ensure that students with disability participate equally in online classes and also take into account the plight of such students while finalizing the exam schedule.

Ealier, the Court had allowed the petitioner to serve notice on the Central Agencies.