Supreme Court of India Supports Disabled Candidate’s Admission to Medical Course
The Supreme Court of India has ruled that having a benchmark disability does not automatically disqualify a candidate from eligibility for a course. This decision came in favor of Omkar Ramchandra Gond, a candidate with a speech and language disability, seeking admission to a medical course. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justice B R Gavai, Aravind Kumar, and KV Viswanathan.
On September 18, the court had directed that a seat be kept vacant for Gond, and on October 15, it confirmed his admission. The court emphasized that Disability Assessment Boards must assess whether a candidate’s disability would hinder their ability to pursue a course, rather than disqualifying them based solely on the percentage of disability.
The court also highlighted the achievements of individuals with disabilities, such as Bharatanatyam dancer Sudha Chandran and Mount Everest conqueror Arunima Sinha, to illustrate the potential of people with disabilities. The ruling aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, which aims to ensure full participation and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The court directed that negative opinions from Disability Assessment Boards can be challenged in judicial review proceedings, and cases may be referred to premier medical institutes for independent opinions.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court of India -: The Supreme Court of India is the highest court in the country. It makes important decisions on legal matters and ensures that laws are followed correctly.
Disabled Candidate -: A disabled candidate is someone who has a physical or mental condition that may make certain activities more challenging. In this context, it refers to a person applying for a medical course.
Medical Course -: A medical course is a program of study that trains students to become doctors or other healthcare professionals. It involves learning about the human body, diseases, and treatments.
Benchmark Disability -: Benchmark disability refers to a specific level of disability that is recognized by law. It is used to determine eligibility for certain benefits or opportunities.
Disability Assessment Boards -: Disability Assessment Boards are groups of experts who evaluate a person’s disability. They decide how much the disability affects the person’s ability to do certain tasks or activities.
RPwD Act -: The RPwD Act stands for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. It is a law in India that aims to protect the rights and provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Judicial Reviews -: Judicial reviews are processes where a court examines the decisions made by other authorities. If someone thinks a decision is unfair, they can ask the court to review it.
