SC to Decide on Landmark Case for Millions Living with Neurodivergent Conditions
The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and other authorities in response to a petition highlighting the neglect and lack of proper facilities for persons with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and cerebral palsy.
A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K.V. Viswanathan agreed to hear the matter, which alleges systemic failure in implementing welfare laws like the National Trust Act, 1999, meant to protect and support individuals with multiple disabilities.
The petition, filed by the organisation Action for Autism, accuses government bodies of failing to meet constitutional, statutory, and international obligations towards neurodivergent individuals. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has also been named as a respondent for its role in budget allocation and implementation.
“We want to draw urgent attention to the persistent neglect and institutional apathy faced by persons with autism and other conditions,” the petitioner’s counsel said, adding that there were no dedicated centres for issuing Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards, making the process unnecessarily difficult.
The counsel further pointed out that many individuals with such conditions struggle to travel due to a lack of sensitisation among airlines and airport staff. In most developed countries, airport and railway staff receive training to handle the needs of neurodivergent passengers, but such practices are largely absent in India.
He cited incidents where people with autism and related conditions were denied basic rights during security checks. Despite the large population of neurodivergent individuals in India, the sector remains underfunded – only 2% of the national budget is allocated to health, and just 2% of that is for mental health.
The petition also stressed that many autistic individuals possess extraordinary talents, but social and communication challenges often prevent them from reaching their potential.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for August 29.
