Overview

• The Supreme Court of India ruled that digital access is an intrinsic component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The judgment directs the revision of digital KYC norms to accommodate acid attack survivors and visually impaired individuals, removing barriers like mandatory blinking requirements.
• Twenty specific guidelines were issued, including alternative identity verification methods and universal accessibility for government portals and digital services.
• The court emphasized bridging the digital divide, which disproportionately excludes persons with disabilities, rural populations, senior citizens, and economically weaker communities.
• The ruling invokes Articles 14, 15, and 38, obligating the state and private entities to ensure inclusive digital infrastructure and compliance with accessibility standards.