The Court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities delivered two landmark judgments that are poised to significantly impact our society and reshape attitudes towards Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) on a large scale.
Two judgements
- The Court mandated that any government office in the country, be it at the central, state, or local government level, operating from buildings or premises that are not accessible to Divyangjan, must relocate their services to the ground floor or another accessible location within the same facility.
- The Court emphasized that all airlines, whether Indian or foreign, operating in the country are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
- The Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities was set up under Section 57 of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act, 1995.
- The office has been mandated to take steps to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act, 1995.
- Under new statute Section 74 of RPwD Act, 2016 provides for appointment of a Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and two Commissioners to assist the Chief Commissioner at the Centre.
- The office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) is a part of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
