Supreme Court seeks Centre’s response on plea seeking systemic reforms for neurodivergent persons

The Supreme Court on Friday sought the Union Government’s response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Action for Autism seeking systemic reforms to protect and promote the rights of individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD [Action for Autism vs. Union of India]. .A Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan issued notice in the plea, which flagged several gaps in the implementation of disability and mental health laws and called for stronger enforcement of constitutional and statutory protections..The petition highlighted persistent institutional apathy and the failure to effectively implement key legislations including the National Trust Act, 1999, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the 2018 amendments to the National Trust framework. It was submitted that there should be a shift from charity-based approach to a rights-based model of disability governance, aligned with India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities..Among the specific directions sought were:Mandatory training for airport, airline, railway, and metro personnel in handling neurodivergent passengers and the creation of sensory-friendly infrastructure at transport hubs. Inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in health insurance coverage and parity in benefits. Strengthening of early diagnosis, intervention, and specialised centres across States, including in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Mandatory inclusive education policies in schools and universities, with trained teachers, counsellors, and support staff. Improved certification processes for disability identification and access to benefits. Development of community-based care models such as residential and halfway homes. Increased public awareness and de-stigmatisation campaigns.The PIL sought interim relief including immediate constitution of statutory bodies, nationwide training of frontline personnel, and protection of insurance entitlements for neurodivergent persons..The Court will now hear the matter after the Centre files its response. .The NGO was represented by advocates Anand Sharma, Shimpy Sharma, Vishwanathan Iyer, Pooja Sharma, Yeshasvi Shrivastava, Priya Pachouri, Mohd. Arham, and Priyanka Dubey. The plea was filed through advocate Vinod Kumar Tewari. .[Read Order]