States and UTs to set up special courts for offenses against disabled persons: SC

In an attempt intended to ensure speedy justice to disabled persons, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed states and union territories to set up special courts in each district within three months to conduct trial of offences committed against them. It also directed them to appoint Special Public Prosecutor in each district for conducting trial in such cases and to file compliance report by August 16. It directed SC registry to send its order to chief secretaries of all states and to take immediate steps to comply with its direction. Within two weeks after the Centre notified Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, the apex court decided to monitor its implementation and ensure compliance by the governments. The new law provides for special courts to deal with crime committed against disabled persons. It also sets a two-year deadline for the government to ensure barrier-free access in all kinds of physical infrastructure and transport systems for disabled persons. The Act has replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act 1995 and it was framed to make Indian law compliant with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The number of disabilities listed has increased from 7 to 21, including acid attack and Parkinson's disease. The apex court said that the new law, notified on April 19, would pave the way for upliftment of disabled persons in the country as more rights have been conferred on them. All states and union territories must realise that responsibility has grown and they have to take steps to file compliance report within twelve weeks.