The Supreme Court has instructed the Bombay High Court to promptly address the issue of interim relief for an IIT Bombay student with a vision disability, who is seeking suitable accommodation adjustments as per his rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The directive was issued by a bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai, Augustine George Masih, and K Vinod Chandran during the hearing of a special leave petition filed on behalf of the student.
The student, currently enrolled in an MSc Biotechnology program at IIT Bombay, has reportedly faced significant challenges in obtaining the necessary accommodations, prompting legal action. His counsel highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the student is entitled to reasonable accommodations under the disability rights law.
The matter had previously been brought before a division bench of the Bombay High Court, where it has been pending since March of the previous year. With the next hearing scheduled for January 27, the Supreme Court’s intervention seeks to ensure that the high court considers granting interim relief by this date.
In their discussion, the justices noted that according to a circular from two separate high courts, cases involving persons with disabilities are typically given priority. This guideline supports the Supreme Court’s request for expedited consideration by the Bombay High Court.
