'SENSITISE AIRPORT STAFF': SUPREME COURT ENDORSES CENTRE'S GUIDELINES ON AIRPORT ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Category: Public & Regulatory
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INTRODUCTION
In a recent judgment the Supreme Court has recently affirmed the guidelines issued by the Centre for airport assistance to persons with disabilities while stressing the need for awareness raising among airport personnel. Refusal by the court to allow this type of discrimination underlines the duty of the judiciary in protecting the rights and persons with disability has especially in the community places such as airports. The judgment of the apex court is very much progressive as far as access to service providers like the airlines and the dignified treatment of persons with disabilities dealing with the aviation industry in India is concerned.
BACKGROUND
Section 26 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 emphasis on the persons with disability’s right to mobility and Accessibility. Nevertheless, the numerous cases of discrimination and inconvenience at the airports can actually be recounted. These problems include; lack of proper facilities, right from the building structures to the personnel at the airline and airport.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for Persons with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility implementing Standards with extensive guidelines regarding assistance whilst setting up a policy to be implemented at airports for the disabled. Nevertheless, there remained complaints of non-compliance and was therefore taken to the Supreme Court.
The petitioner in the case identified systemic problems, which are inadequate facilities and measures, and lack of adequate training of airport workers, which lead to the continued The Striking thing is that the Supreme Court of India felt compelled to interfere in the plight of disabled passengers in the aviation sector, underlining the fact that much more than a simple policy change is required with regard to the disability issue in India’s aviation industry.
KEY ASPECTS
1.Compulsory Awareness Course for Air Terminal Workers : The Honorable Judges opined for raising the awareness of airport employees; be it the ground crew, securities, or other airline companies, regarding the disability needs of PWDs. This training’s primary goal is to reduce discrimination and guarantee people’s courtesy. The judgment does require organizations to provide systematic training to dispense empathy and tolerance.
2.Application of the Centre’s Guideline
The court unequivocally endorsed the Centre's CAR guidelines, which include:
Wheelchair assistance and escort services for guest on request.
Special counters for disabled persons.
Get priority in boarding the aircraft and in having their baggage handled.
Fences and gates such as ramps, elevators and tactile trims.
The court ordered that these measures be followed to the letter in all the airports.
3.Accountability Measurement and Control Tools :Alas realizing the need for this a judgment was made calling for audits and monitoring of airport facilities at least every end. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented it where the role of monitoring the compliance and solving any complaints within a short time was assigned to it.
4.Promotion of the Dignity of Persons With Disability : The judgment merely reiterated that; disabled persons should not be regarded as beggars who need a handout, but as citizens with full constitutional rights. This perspective is consistent with India's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2007 (UNCRPD).
5.Encouraging Public Awareness : The court then pointed towards the general public to open their eyes and hearts to giving a chance to people with similar convictions as that of the victim. The general public awareness programs like the campaigns and the workshops to target and enlighten the disabled persons dilemma was proposed.
CONCLUSION
The approval of Centre’s guidelines by Supreme Court is a landmark in the Indian disability rights as far as judicial commitment to inclusion and dignity is concerned. This judgment not only declares and enforces law compliance but also rights a social perspective alteration. Airports are entry points to the world and making them accessible is a statement of equity of any given country.
Although this decision is highly commendable, the achievement of the goal depends on the efficiency of the implementation of the aforesaid directives. This paper has reiterated that all the above highlighted stakeholders namely the airport authorities, airlines as well as the DGCA must join forces to achieve the noble causes of turning the Indian airports into favorable places for people with disability. However, rather prolonged, steady observation and active participation of the public are instrumental in maintaining such progress.
With India set on the path of development it is a crucially important aspect that the rights and the dignity of persons with disabilities are protected. This judgment shows that progressive society cannot exclude someone and reforms, SC is a guardian of justice and equality.
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WRITTEN BY : PAYAL DEVNANI
