In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court of India on Monday upheld the right of visually impaired individuals to be appointed to judicial services, declaring that disability cannot be a ground for exclusion. Striking down a rule set by the Madhya Pradesh government that restricted such appointments, the court called the regulation unconstitutional and a violation of fundamental rights.

A bench comprising Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan delivered the landmark verdict while hearing multiple petitions, including a suo motu case regarding the denial of reservations for disabled candidates in judicial services across various states.

"Most Important Case," Says Supreme Court

While delivering the judgment, Justice Mahadevan underscored the constitutional significance of the case, stating:

"We have treated it as the most important case. We have touched upon the constitutional framework and institutional disability jurisprudence."

The apex court ruled that no candidate can be denied the opportunity to serve as a judge solely due to disability, urging affirmative action to foster an inclusive judicial system.

Paving the Way for Inclusivity in the Judiciary

The Supreme Court’s verdict marks a significant step towards inclusivity and equal opportunities in the legal profession. The ruling sets a precedent for other states and reinforces the rights of persons with disabilities to participate fully in the justice system.