DIABLED RIGHTS DRAFT [Exclusion Of PwD From Combat Roles]

The Supreme Court on Thursday

A bench of Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice JB Pardiwala

The bench was hearing a plea challenging a Central government notification excluding persons with disability from the IPS, the Indian Railways Protection Force Service (IRPFS) and the Delhi, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Police Service (DANIPS).

Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted a week to candidates who have passed the civil services exam to fill out a form giving their preference.

Senior Advocate Arvind Datar appearing for the petitioner, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled, had requested the Court to extend the deadline for two weeks. Datar had further submitted that the Supreme Court has also delivered a judgment saying that guidelines have to be laid down defining the nature of work for IPS, Delhi Police and revenue protection cadres.

The bench was also told that since the forms were submitted online, the PwD candidates would have to submit their forms physically.

Accordingly, the Court directed the Secretary-General, UPSC to accept hard copies of the application of concerned candidates as petitioners and similarly placed persons on or before April 1.

Cause Title: National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled vs. Union of India