The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a final warning to the Delhi government regarding a pending status report on the accommodation needs of several blind students pursuing higher education. Justice Sachin Datta expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the social welfare department to comply with previous directives to submit a report.
The court has now granted the government a “last opportunity” to file the required status report within four weeks. Justice Datta made it clear that failure to comply would result in the court making a decision based on the existing records, potentially without the government’s input. “It is made clear that if the status report is not filed, the matter will be decided on the basis of material available on record,” the judge stated.
The issue stems from a plea by five petitioners who completed their schooling at the Institution for the Blind in Lajpat Nagar and subsequently enrolled in graduation courses at Delhi University. After finishing their schooling, the students were allegedly asked to vacate the hostel, leaving them without accommodation.
Represented by advocates Rahul Bajaj and Amar Jain, the petitioners argued that the Department of Social Welfare is obliged to provide alternative housing solutions. They cited a judgment asserting that as college students at Delhi University, they are entitled to accommodation support.
The plea highlighted the lack of hostel facilities for students pursuing graduation at Delhi University, particularly for persons with disabilities, underscoring a significant gap in the educational support system.
