In a significant move towards digital inclusivity, the Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to make its online application portal more user-friendly for visually impaired candidates applying for government recruitment exams.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the directive while hearing a plea filed by Santosh Kumar Rungta, representing the National Federation of the Blind. The petition sought an alternative mechanism for blind candidates to upload photographs, particularly for the upcoming Combined Graduate Level (CGL), Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination 2025, and the Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff and Havaldar (MTS and Havaldar) Examination, 2025.
The petitioner argued that the current system, which requires live photographs to be uploaded via face recognition, effectively excludes many blind candidates. “Their eye conditions make it impossible to capture live photographs through facial recognition, thereby depriving them of the right to participate in the recruitment process,” the plea stated. It further termed the exclusion a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Taking note of the issue, the bench observed that over 60 visually impaired candidates had sent grievance emails to the SSC. The court directed the Commission to examine these complaints expeditiously and suggested that SSC officials coordinate directly with the petitioner to resolve the concerns.
“We request the SSC to look into grievances in these 60 e-mails. So far as the issue in the petition is concerned, we will consider it for future examinations. SSC should revisit its policy to make its portal more user-friendly, especially for visually impaired persons,” the court remarked.
The bench emphasized the need for long-term systemic changes. “There are some issues that need to be resolved. In future, be mindful. Come with your plans for future examinations,” it added.
The matter will next be heard on November 12, with the court expecting the SSC to present concrete proposals for making its portal accessible to all candidates, regardless of disability.
