Disabled Rights Group v. Union of India (2017)
Legal Issues
- Whether higher educational institutions must comply with 5% reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD).
- Whether institutions must submit compliance reports to Commissioners.
Court Reasoning
- RPwD Act, 2016 (Ss. 31–32) mandates reservation and free education for children with benchmark disability.
- A level playing field requires both accessibility and affirmative action.
Held Principle
- Full compliance is mandatory: 5% reservation must be implemented.
- Institutions must report admissions to Chief / State Commissioner.
- UGC/BCI to ensure compliance and carry out inspections.
