Manipur High Court Seeks State Action Report on Accessibility Measures for Disabled and Elderly in Public Buildings
Authored By Kiran Raj
The Manipur High Court, on December 18, 2024, issued directions to the State of Manipur to file a detailed report on the actions taken to ensure accessibility in public buildings for persons with disabilities and elderly individuals in Churachandpur district. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, passed the order in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Community Initiative. The PIL sought compliance with Section 45(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Rule 15(a) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate Serto T. Kom, urged the Court to direct the State authorities to provide ramps and accessible toilets in public buildings within the Churachandpur district. The PIL highlighted the failure of the State to adhere to statutory provisions mandating accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The counsel for the petitioner argued, “The provisions under Section 45(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Rule 15(a) of the 2017 Rules impose an unequivocal obligation on public authorities to ensure accessibility in all public buildings. The non-implementation of these measures violates the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities.”
The State of Manipur, represented by Deputy Advocate General H. Debendra, assisted by Junior Government Advocate I. Amri, submitted that steps were being taken to address the concerns raised in the petition. However, the Court found it necessary to ascertain the specific actions undertaken.
The Bench observed the urgency of ensuring accessibility in public infrastructure and remarked, “This Court, on perusal of the prayer in the PIL, is of the view that there is urgency in the matter for providing ramps and toilets to people with disabilities and elderly persons. Accessibility is a fundamental requirement for the dignity and inclusion of these individuals.”
The Court held that the statutory obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and Rules cannot be deferred indefinitely. The Bench directed the State to submit a comprehensive report detailing the measures taken and the timeline for implementing accessibility in public buildings across Churachandpur district.
The High Court directed the State Government to file its report on or before the next hearing date and stated, “The State Government is directed to file a report before this Court with regard to the action taken in this behalf before the next date of hearing.” The matter has been listed for further consideration on January 29, 2025.
Case Title: Centre for Community Initiative v. State of Manipur & 2 Ors.
Case Number: PIL No. 1 of 2023
Bench: Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui
[Read/Download order]
