Bombay High Court Criticizes State for Delays in Addressing Footpath Accessibility for Wheelchair Users
The court has demanded immediate action from the Maharashtra government and its advisory board after years of inaction and missed deadlines under the Disabilities Act.
- The Bombay High Court reprimanded the Maharashtra government for delays in convening the Disability Advisory Board's meeting, mandated under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Despite the advisory board being tasked with addressing accessibility issues, no meetings had been held since its formation, prompting the court to demand urgent action and a detailed report.
- The issue of inaccessible footpaths, particularly due to obstructive poles and bollards, was brought to the court's attention by a wheelchair user, Karan Sunil Shah, and advocate Jamshed Mistry in 2023.
- The state government has now scheduled the board's first meeting for March 19, 2025, after previously missing a February deadline set by the court.
- The advisory board's agenda includes improving footpath accessibility, conducting medical evaluations for disabled individuals, and reviewing public infrastructure for compliance with disability-friendly standards.
Free Press Journal 
Hindustan Times 
