Airlines operating in India need to implement Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act provisions: Ruling
New Delhi, All airlines, including foreign companies, operating in the country are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities said. The court's ruling came after it took suo motu cognisance of a post on 'X' by Smrithy Rajesh alleging that her son, who has Autism, was ill-treated at the Bangalore airport by SriLankan Airlines employees.
The court's findings revealed a lack of awareness and sensitivity towards the
needs of individuals with disabilities on the part of the airline's employees
and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it said.
The court also highlighted that the SriLankan Airlines' policy, if it necessitates
medical clearance for select categories of persons with disabilities before
boarding a flight, is inconsistent with the global civil aviation requirements
"All airlines, whether Indian or foreign, operating in the country are
responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, specifically outlined in sections 40 and 41, along
with relevant rules and instructions," the court said.
"This underscores the importance of adhering to both the letter and spirit of
the law to ensure the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities are
protected," it said.
The court concluded that the DGCA cannot be absolved of its responsibility of
ensuring that the provisions of the RPwD Act are implemented.
The court of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, part of the
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, oversees various
responsibilities, including identifying legal inconsistencies, investigating
rights deprivation, reviewing safeguards, studying international instruments,
promoting research, raising awareness, and monitoring the implementation of
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
