The Supreme Court to examine the need to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and that the cab services should be adapted to accommodate wheelchairs and assistive devices.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, while hearing a plea on first- and last-mile connectivity, observed that in urban centres where cab services are widely available, efforts must be made to ensure inclusivity. “Cabs should also be asked to accommodate wheelchairs or assistive devices,” the Court said, proposing that ride-hailing platforms could introduce specially designated vehicles modified for persons with disabilities.
Mr Mohit Pandey Counsel for the petitioner pointed to systemic gaps in current transport infrastructure and suggested adopting universal design standards similar to those implemented in European jurisdictions.
Responding to the Court’s queries, the Centre informed that the issue is under consideration and that a committee constituted by the Supreme Court in a related matter is already examining broader accessibility concerns.
While the petitioner emphasised the urgency of addressing last-mile connectivity as a distinct concern, the Court stated that it will examine the nature of the committee on the next date before taking a call.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 24.
Appearances:
For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Mohit Pandey, Adv.; Mr. Md Shah Minhajuddin, Adv.; Mr. Md Adil Khan, Adv.; Mr. Umesh Kumar Shukla, Adv.; Mr. Gajendra Singh Negi, Adv.; Mr. Subhro Prokas Mukherjee, AOR
For Respondent(s) : Mr. Kanakamedala Ravindra Kumar, A.S.G.; Mr. Bhakti Vardhan Singh, Adv.; Mr. P V Yogeswaran, Adv.; Mr. B K Satija, Adv.; Mr. Diwakar Sharma, Adv.; Dr. N. Visakamurthy, AOR
