In a move to ensure equal opportunities for all, the Supreme Court of India has passed further guidelines to ensure access to the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) for candidates with disabilities. The court has taken the decision to protect the rights of candidates with disabilities who face various challenges in the admission process. The CLAT is a national-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs offered by 22 National Law Universities and other law schools. However, candidates with disabilities have faced several barriers in accessing the test due to lack of infrastructure, inaccessible test centers, and inadequate accommodations.
In recent years, disability rights activists and legal experts in India have raised concerns about the lack of access to education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The issue of accessibility has been a major barrier for people with disabilities in many areas of life, including education and employment. In the legal education sector, the issue of accessibility has been particularly acute. Candidates with disabilities have faced several challenges in accessing law schools and the admission process. The lack of infrastructure and accommodations has made it difficult for many candidates with disabilities to access law schools and compete on an equal footing with other candidates.
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court has taken several steps to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the legal education sector. In 2017, the court directed the Consortium of National Law Universities to provide for extra time and other necessary accommodations for candidates with disabilities in the CLAT exam. However, despite these measures, many candidates with disabilities have continued to face barriers in accessing the CLAT exam and law schools. The recent ruling by the Supreme Court is therefore seen as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the legal education sector. It is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the legal profession in India and pave the way for more diverse and inclusive legal institutions.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed the Consortium of National Law Universities to make necessary arrangements to ensure access to candidates with disabilities. In its recent order, the court has further directed the Consortium to provide for extra time, scribes, and other necessary facilities for candidates with disabilities. The court has also directed the Consortium to establish a grievance redressal mechanism for candidates with disabilities to address any issues that may arise during the admission process. The mechanism will ensure that candidates with disabilities have equal opportunities to compete with other candidates in the admission process.
The ruling has been widely welcomed by disability rights activists and legal experts. They have hailed the court’s decision as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the legal education sector. Speaking about the ruling, disability rights activist Nipun Malhotra said, “This is a historic decision that recognizes the rights of candidates with disabilities. It will go a long way in ensuring that candidates with disabilities have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams in the legal profession.” Legal expert, Prof. M.P. Singh, commented, “This decision is a positive step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the legal education sector. It sends a strong message that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed in their careers, regardless of their abilities.”
Overall, the Supreme Court’s decision to pass further guidelines to ensure access to CLAT for candidates with disabilities is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the legal education sector. The ruling will provide much-needed relief to candidates with disabilities who have faced several barriers in accessing the test. It is expected to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse legal profession in India.
written By- Lakshya Sharma student of 1st year BBA LLB at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
1 Comment
Opesh · March 21, 2023 at 5:48 pm
Very Helpful artical for candidates with disability. Lot of Thanks Mr. Lakshya Sharma for sharing judgement of Apex court