Despite Disabilities Act, Tamil Nadu yet to set up special courts

CHENNAI: Even two years after the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act

,

2016

, came into existence, which mandates a special court in each district, the Tamil Nadu government is yet to take any step to create such facilities to ensure speedy trials of cases involving people with disabilities.


According to Sections 84 and 85 of the Act, a special court should be established in each district to create a barrierfree environment for people with disabilities. Besides this, the Act mandates the appointment of a public prosecutor or an advocate to represent people with disabilities free of cost.

“We have taken the issue to the notice of the commissioner of the welfare of differently abled persons department, senior bureaucrats and lawmakers to take initiative to establish special courts, but in vain. We are planning to protest, condemning the government’s callous attitude,” said Namburajan of Tamil Nadu Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled (TARATDAC).

According to the 2011 census, there were 11.79 lakh people with disabilities (seven types). Of them, 90,064 were from Chennai. In other districts, there were about 15,000 to 60,000 people with disabilities.

“Carrying out daily tasks is itself a struggle for differently abled people. After fighting social stigma, seeking legal remedy is beyond their imagination in regular courts. Only a few approach the court. To render justice, the government should create special courts at the earliest,” said R Prabakaran, an advocate.

V Natarajan, another advocate, said, “Though there are more than 100 provisions under the Act to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, it will materialize only after special courts are formed.”

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.