New Delhi: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court today ruled that visually impaired individuals cannot be denied the opportunity to work in judicial services. A bench consisting of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan delivered the judgment after reserving its decision on six petitions.
Justice Mahadevan, while pronouncing the verdict, emphasized that persons with disabilities should not face discrimination in their pursuit of judicial service positions. He stated that the state must implement affirmative action to create an inclusive recruitment framework that ensures equal opportunities for all, regardless of disability.
The Apex Court struck down a provision in the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services (Recruitment and Conditions of Services) Rules, 1994, which previously barred visually impaired and low-vision candidates from entering judicial service in the state. The court highlighted the importance of ensuring substantive equality, urging the state to take necessary steps for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the judicial system.
