Supreme Court Strikes Down Madhya Pradesh Rule Excluding Visually Impaired from Judicial Service

The court ruled disability-based discrimination unconstitutional, affirming equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in judicial recruitment.

The Supreme Court invalidated a Madhya Pradesh rule that barred visually impaired and low-vision candidates from judicial service recruitment.
The decision was based on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
The court emphasized that the right against disability-based discrimination holds the same stature as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
Rule 6A of the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Services Rules, introduced in 2018, was deemed discriminatory and inconsistent with evolving disability jurisprudence.
The court directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to adjust the selection process and implement the ruling within three months.