In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has mandated comprehensive sensitivity training for airport staff, aimed at enhancing support for passengers with disabilities. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, underscores the necessity for respectful and compassionate assistance from airport personnel towards individuals with physical disabilities.
Justices JB Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal, who comprised the division bench, emphasized the critical need for airport staff, particularly those in category B, to receive specialized training. This training is intended to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively assist passengers facing various challenges due to their disabilities.
The Court stated, “We dispose of the writ petition with an emphasis on sensitizing airport staff to show greater compassion towards physically disabled passengers. Staff in category B should receive periodic training to enhance their ability to assist these passengers effectively.”
The initiative stemmed from a plea by Arushi Singh, a passenger with a 75 percent disability, who recounted a distressing experience at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. During security checks, she was repeatedly asked to stand despite her disability and faced a lack of assistance, highlighting the need for better-trained, more empathetic staff.
Moreover, the Supreme Court adopted guidelines jointly formulated by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, aimed at promoting the inclusion of disabled persons in society. These guidelines, detailed in the Court’s order, extend support not only to disabled individuals but also to elderly passengers who may require wheelchair assistance at airports.
