‘Establish spl courts to try offences against disabled’

Madurai: Madras high court on Friday sought a response from the state government on a plea which sought to establish special courts to try the offences against people living with disabilities as per the provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

A division bench of justices N Kirubakaran and B Pugalendhi was hearing a public interest litigation filed by R Manibharathi, a resident of Madurai district.

The petitioner stated that the Act imposes criminal liability on anyone who within the public view insults or intimidates a person living with disabilities with the intention of humiliating such person. As per the provisions of the Act, the state government with the concurrence of Chief Justice of high court should specify a sessions court in each district to try the offences under this Act.

He stated that the Delhi government in 2019 had established such special courts and the same should be established in Tamil Nadu for the purpose of providing speedy trial for offences against those living with disabilities. He stated that though he submitted a representation to the authorities, no steps were taken.

Hence, he sought for a direction to establish special courts in all the districts across the state with infrastructure and modern equipment so that it could be easily accessible by people living with disabilities. He also sought to appoint special public prosecutors to these courts.