The Supreme Court of India ruled on Monday that all disabled candidates are entitled to use scribes for writing exams, without needing to meet the previously required benchmark disabilities’ criteria. This landmark decision extends the right to a scribe to any person with a disability, not just those with disabilities meeting or exceeding the 40 percent threshold as previously stipulated.
Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasized the responsibility of the central government in ensuring that this directive is implemented effectively and equitably. “Guidelines issued by the respondent number 5 (Centre) pursuant to the directions of this court, have to be enforced, by extending the benefits for PwBD (persons with benchmark disabilities) candidates to all PwD (persons with disabilities) candidates in writing their examinations, without any hindrance,” the bench stated.
The court also instructed the Centre to revise the office memorandum dated August 10, 2022, which previously set restrictions on who could use a scribe. These restrictions are to be removed to allow more flexible access for disabled candidates.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed educational institutions and exam conducting bodies to adhere strictly to these guidelines and called for periodic surveys or verifications to ensure compliance. It also mandated regular sensitization programs to raise awareness among those responsible for administering exams.
Additionally, the Centre has been tasked with creating a grievance redressal portal that will enable candidates to address any issues regarding scribe access before resorting to legal action. The court has also asked for the extension of the validity of scribe certificates from six months to a more practical timeframe. This change aims to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles faced by candidates, especially those in rural areas, and to provide them with enough time to acclimate to their scribes before their exams.
