Shreya Gupta
On 3rd March, 2025, the Supreme Court of India declared that visually impaired candidates are eligible for appointment to judicial services in the country. The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan on a batch of petitions, including a suo motu case that addressed the denial of reservations to such candidates in judicial services across certain states.
While pronouncing the decision, Justice Mahadevan emphasized on the significance of the case, stating that the Court had extensively examined the constitutional framework and institutional disability jurisprudence. The judgment upheld the fundamental principle that persons with disabilities must not face discrimination in judicial services and that the State has an obligation to ensure affirmative action for an inclusive framework.
The Court categorically stated that no candidate can be denied an opportunity solely on the ground of disability. The case stemmed from a letter written last year by the mother of a visually impaired candidate, challenging a provision in the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services (Recruitment and Service Conditions) Rules, which barred visually impaired candidates from seeking appointment in the state’s judicial services. The Supreme Court had taken cognizance of this issue and converted the letter into a suo motu plea. In its ruling, the Court struck down Rule 6A of the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services Rules, which restricted visually impaired candidates and those with low vision from joining the judiciary.
Additionally, the Court invalidated the rule that required visually impaired candidates to have three years of practice before being eligible for judicial services. Furthermore, the Court extended similar relief to candidates in Rajasthan who were placed in similar circumstances.
Case Title: In Re Recruitment of visually impaired in judicial services
Bench: Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desikaanoon?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desi-kaanoon/posts/?feedView=all
For Collaboration and Business: info.desikaanoon@gmail.com
