New Delhi (Agency): The Delhi High Court has expressed its concern and displeasure over the authorities’ insensitive approach towards matters concerning employment of persons with disabilities. The court observed that despite the existence of numerous government welfare schemes, individuals have to face great difficulties in getting their rights implemented.
The high court made these remarks during the hearing of a plea filed by ‘Toshiyas’, a society dedicated to the welfare of persons with disabilities. The society sought the execution of a court order passed by the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) on October 25, 2019.
The petitioner society requested the Centre and the railways to take effective measures to fulfill the 2019 court order concerning the employment of people with disabilities.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh remarked, “The Government of India formulates several schemes for the welfare of the society and the citizens of this country, but thereafter the citizens are left on their own to reap and avail the benefits arising therefrom by seeking its implementation and execution, as the situation is in the instant case.”
The court was informed that the respondent authorities were not cooperating in effectively resolving the case, which has been pending since last year. The petitioners faced struggles in having their grievances addressed.
The high court expressed disappointment that despite the passage of a significant period, no one on behalf of the authorities was present before the court to address the issue. Even an order from May 2, 2023, noted the lack of instructions or counter-affidavits from the respondents.
The court said, “It is evident that the respondents have been dealing with the instant matter in a casual, cavalier and an insensitive manner.”
The court expressed sadness over the state of affairs, where members of the petitioner society, who are persons with disabilities and citizens of the country, were compelled to seek implementation of their rights despite having a court order in their favor since 2019.
Acknowledging the sensitivity of the case, the high court asked the Additional Solicitor General to represent the respondents and assist the court in the effective adjudication of the matter. The court granted time to the law officer to obtain clear and definite instructions and scheduled the case for further hearing on August 10.
