Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Jagpal Singh Saini Vs. The DCP (North East District) & 3 Others | Case No. 641/1062/2018/12/2316-2320 | Dated: 20.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 641/1062/2018/12/2316-2320                 Dated: 20.05.2019

In the matter of:

Sh. Jagpal Singh Saini
A-21, Ankur Enclave,
Karawal Nagar, Delhi-110090.                          ................ Complainant
                                             
                                          Versus                           
The Deputy Commissioner of Police
(North East District)
Police Station, Seelampur,
Delhi-110053.                                                  ........... Respondent No. 1

Smt. Sadhana, W/o Late Sh. Sushil,
A-21, Ankur Enclave,
Karawal Nagar, Delhi-110090.                        ........... Respondent No. 2

Ms. Shivani D/o Late Sh. Sushil,
A-21, Ankur Enclave,
Karawal Nagar, Delhi-110090.                        ........... Respondent No. 3

Ms. Shivam S/o Late Sh. Sushil,
A-21, Ankur Enclave,
Karawal Nagar, Delhi-110090.                        ........... Respondent No. 4

Date of Hearing:  10.05.2019

Present:               Sh. Jagpal Singh Saini, Complainant
Sh. Sanjeet Kumar, Advocate on behalf of the Complainant

Smt. Sadhna Saini on behalf of Respondent No. 2,3 & 4

ORDER 
The complaint dated 20.10.2018 of the above noted complainant, a person with 55% locomotor disability was received on 21.12.2018 from the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities vide letter dated 06.12.2018.  The complainant submitted that he met Smt. Sadhna in 1997 with two children (Respondent No.3 & 4).  She approached him for job in his building material shop.  She joined the complainant and started helping him in his work in the building material shop and as domestic help.  After some time, the complainant and the Respondent No.2 started to have living-in relationship with mutual consent.  In the year 2000, the complainant closed the work of building material and started Ch. Brahm Singh Saini Memorial School at A-4, Ankur Enclave, Karawal Nagar, Delhi recognized by MCD upto 5th standard.  Respondent No.2 worked as caretaker in the school.
2.       The complainant has inter-alia alleged that Respondent No.2 started pressing him to transfer all his immovable property in her name and also misguided Respondent No. 3 & 4 against the complainant.  She harassed him by not giving him food, beating him and taunting.  The complainant prayed that appropriate legal action under the Act be taken against the respondents and to restrain the respondents, their agents, servants, attorneys, associates, family members, administrator, executors etc. from inflicting cruelty, harassment, humiliation, defamation etc.   
3.       The complaint was taken up with Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East District) vide show cause notice dated 01.01.2019 under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 hereinafter referred to as the Act followed by Summons to appear dated 08.02.2019.  Addl. DCP(North East District)-I vide letter dated 18.02.2019 submitted that inquiry into the matter revealed that the complainant had already filed a Civil Suit in the Court of Ms. Rashmi Kujur, Ld. MM, Karkardooma Court, which is under trial.  The matter is civil in nature and hence the complaint may be filed.  A copy of the said reply was sent to the complainant for his rejoinder.  In the meantime a hearing had also been scheduled on 14.03.2019.
4.       During the hearing, Sh. Sanjeet Kumar, Advocate for the complainant submitted that subsequent to the filing of complaint, Ms. Sadhna and her son Sh. Shivam and daughter Ms. Shivani manhandled the complainant.  A complaint was made with the police but no FIR was registered.  Ms. Sadhna and her children continue to threaten him and do not allow him to enter his house or enjoy his property with the intention to dislodge him from his properties.  He requested that Ms. Sadhna, Ms. Shivani and Sh. Shivam be also made parties.  A copy of the report of the police was handed over to him for filing rejoinder, if any and Ms. Sadhna, Ms. Shivani and Sh. Shivam were impleaded as respondent No.2,3 & 4 respectively.  The parties were also directed to note the provisions of the Section 7 of the Act which provides as under:
Section 7. (1) The appropriate Government shall take measures to protect persons with disabilities from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation and to prevent the same, shall—
(a) take cognizance of incidents of abuse, violence and exploitation and provide legal remedies available against such incidents;
(b) take steps for avoiding such incidents and prescribe the procedure for its reporting;
(c) take steps to rescue, protect and rehabilitate victims of such incidents; and
(d) create awareness and make available information among the public.
(2) Any person or registered organisation who or which has reason to believe that an act of abuse, violence or exploitation has been, or is being, or is likely to be committed against any person with disability, may give information about it to the Executive Magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction such incidents occur.
(3) The Executive Magistrate on receipt of such information, shall take immediate steps to stop or prevent its occurrence, as the case may be, or pass such order as he deems fit for the protection of such person with disability including an order—
(a) to rescue the victim of such act, authorising the police or any organisation working for persons with disabilities to provide for the safe custody or rehabilitation of such person, or both, as the case may be;
(b) for providing protective custody to the person with disability, if such person so desires;
(c) to provide maintenance to such person with disability.
(4) Any police officer who receives a complaint or otherwise comes to know of abuse, violence or exploitation towards any person with disability shall inform the aggrieved person of—
(a) his or her right to apply for protection under sub-section (2) and the particulars of the Executive Magistrate having jurisdiction to provide assistance;
(b) the particulars of the nearest organisation or institution working for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities;
(c) the right to free legal aid; and
(d) the right to file a complaint under the provisions of this Act or any other law dealing with such offence:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed in any manner as to relieve the police officer from his duty to proceed in accordance with law upon receipt of information as to the commission of a cognizable offence.
(5) If the Executive Magistrate finds that the alleged act or behaviour constitutes an offence under the Indian Penal Code, or under any other law for the time being in force, he may forward the complaint to that effect to the Judicial or Metropolitan Magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction in the matter.”
5.       They were also informed that Section 89 and 92 of the Act respectively also provide for punishment for contravention of provisions of the Act or rules and regulations made thereunder and for offences of atrocities.
6.       Respondent No.1 submitted an application dated 28.03.2019 and stated that her husband Sh. Jagpal Singh Saini (the complainant herein) has filed a case in the Karkardooma Court and the complaint filed by him is baseless. He is a bad character and he himself shot his arm.  A detailed inquiry should be made into the matter.  She also submitted that a case in the Family Court is also pending.
7.       On 09.04.2019, none appeared and the parties were given one more opportunity to present their cases failing which they were informed that the matter would be disposed of based on available records.  
8.       On 10.05.2019, Smt. Sadhna Saini submitted a copy of her complaint dated 09.05.2019 submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (North East District), Seelampur against the complainant, his daughter Ms. Pinki Saini, his associates namely Arti and Aysha for illegally and unlawfully trespassing into her school i.e. Ch. Brahm Singh Memorial School, Ankur Enclave, Karawal Nagar, Delhi, stealing the records of the school, damaging the school property and records, beating, extending threat of killing.  The said complaint is also against SI Sukh Ram and SHO Sanjeev Kumar Gautam of PS Karawal Nagar for shielding the accused.  She also stated that she has also filed a case against the complainant for domestic violence which is pending in Karkardooma Court.
9.       Shri Sanjeet Kumar, advocate on behalf of the complainant, submitted that in his capacity of authorised representative of Ch. Braham Singh Memorial Educational Society, the complainant has also filed a Civil Suit for prohibitory relief against Smt. Sadhna Saini to restrain her from  disturbing peaceful administration of the school.  The complainant submitted that he has a house at A-21, Ankur Enclave, Karawal Nagar, Delhi-110090 consisting of Ground Floor having one Hall and two rooms and First Floor having 4 rooms with kitchen, toilet and bathrooms.  He is not able to stay in the house because of terms of the bail order of the Court in the domestic violence case.  He further submitted that the school is in the name of his daughter Ms. Pinki Saini and the house is in his name.  He requested that he should be allowed to stay peacefully in his house.  Smt. Sadhna Saini submitted that the matter may be got investigated thoroughly and appropriate action under the law be taken.
10.     As the parties have filed their respective cases in the Civil Court/ Family Court on the same issues as in this complaint, it is closed in this court.
11.     However, in light of the provision in Section 7 of the Act reproduced in para 4 above and Section 92 that, “Whoever,—(a) intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with disability in any place within public view; (b) assaults or uses force to any person with disability with intent to dishonour him or outrage the modesty of a woman with disability;……………………………shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine”, DCP(NE), Seelampur should ensure that appropriate action, as required under Section 7 of the Act is taken and the complainant’s rights are protected.  The case be thoroughly investigated and if the police finds violation of any of the above mentioned provisions of the Act by any person, the same be brought to the notice of the Hon’ble Court.
12.     Action taken be intimated to this court within 3 months from the date of receipt of this order as required under section 81 of the Act.
13.     Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 20th day of May, 2019.



                                                                 (T.D. Dhariyal)
           State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities


Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Monika Dhankhar Vs. Th MS Guru Nanak Eye Centre | Case No. 677/1023/2019/01/2263-2264 | Dated:13.05.2019



In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005, Email: comdis.delhi@nic.in
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 677/1023/2019/01/2263-2264                          Dated:13.05.2019

In the matter of:

Ms. Monika Dhankhar,

D-1002, Pearl Court,
Ramprastha, Ghaziabad,
Uttar Pradesh-201301                                              ……Complainant
                                               
                                                             Versus

The Medical Superintendent,
Guru Nanak Eye Centre
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Marg,
New Delhi-110002                                                    …..Respondent

Date of hearing:   08.05.2019
Present:               None appeared from complainant side
Sh. S.K. Purohit, S.O. alongwith Sh. Rajkumar on behalf of respondent
ORDER
The above named complainant, a person with 45% locomotor disability vide her complaint dated 04.01.2019 alleged that she was being given odd hours of duty and in the night shift in Guru Nanak Eye Centre. Derogatory remarks, “this is not rehabilitation center and you got reservation in your education, job and now you need in duty as well”, were made against her.  She was selected as general candidate and not by reservation.  Her disability is due to Kyphoscoliosis (Cervico-Dorsal) due to which she has problem in working for prolonged hours. As per DoPT, Govt. of India OM no. 36035/3/2013/Estt.(Res) dated 31.03.2014,persons with disabilities should preferably be posted to perform jobs which they can easily do.  The incident has affected her mental health and she had to request Secretary, Health & Family Welfare to revert her to her previous posting.  She requested to issue an informative memorandum to the hospitals under the Health & Family Welfare Department so that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights without any hassles. 

2.       The complaint was taken up with the respondent vide notice dated 17.01.2019 under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016,hereinafter to referred to as the Act.  The respondent vide letter dated 09.02.2019 submitted that as per guidelines issued by Govt. of India and endorsed by Govt. of NCT of Delhi for persons with disabilities, only soft duty is given to persons with disabilities.  Ms. Monika Dhankhar was given the duties from 08:00 A.M to 02:00 P.M for 06 hours only.  Neither any odd duties/prolonged duties/ night duties was given to her nor was any derogatory remark used by anybody against her.  Copies of the replies obtained from DNS and ANS of the hospital were also enclosed. 

3.       Vide her rejoinder dated 21.02.2019, the complainant submitted that the ATR of Medical Superintendent was false.  In support of her contention, she enclosed a copy of an extract of the attendance register for the month of January 2019 as per which “N” is marked against her name for 24, 25 and 26 January 2018.

4.       Upon considering the written submission of the parties, a hearing was scheduled on 01.04.2019, which was attended by the complainant, her brother Sh. Mohit Dhankhar, Ms. Neelam Sharma (ANS), Ms. Malti Sabharwal (DNS) and Vineet Sachdeva.

5.       During the hearing, the complainant reiterated her allegations and stated that the remarks were made by Director.  The attention of the representatives of the respondent was drawn to the need for appreciating that a socially beneficial legislation like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 has been enacted to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Despite elaborate and the rights based provisions in the law, there is inadequate sensitivity and unwillingness to extend reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities to enable them to work in an inclusive and congenial environment.  

6.       Even before the above Act was enacted, DoPT, Govt. of India had issued the guidelines dated 30.03.2014 to provide certain facilities, services and amenities to persons with disabilities to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.After hearing the complainant and representatives of Guru Nanak Eye Centre, it was advised vide RoP dated 02.04.2019 that the Director of the Centre and superiors of the complainant should sit together and discuss the matter with a view to appreciating the situation of the complainant and that such remarks have very serious impact on the dignity and self-respect of a person with disability and are against the provisions of the Act.  They should also deliberate on ways to ensure that such situations do not occur in future and extend reasonable accommodations.Besides, the need for creating awareness and sensitization amongst the officers and staff was indicated which had also been emphasized by this Court on a number of occasions including vide letter no.F.1/1759/2017/Admn./Per/CD/12840-12995 dated 13.12.2018 to all the Principal Secretaries/Secretaries/Heads of Departments.

7.       Sh. D.N. Singh, Admin Officer/ HOO vide letter dated 24.04.2019 informed as under:
the administration ofGNED with the approval of Head of the department/ Director GNEC had posted Ms. Monika Dhankhar at the lightest duty place in OPD area that too only from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM.  This posting order was an evidence of humanely behavior keeping in view her health issues/ Disabilities. 
She was posted suitably without any intervention from any of the authority including your office and she was never offended by any of the officer or staff in any manner. 
If she desires to apply for posting in any of the office/ Hospital/ Dispensary etc, in vicinity to her resident, we will forward her request to the Department of Health & Family Welfare for posting at the nearest office/ Hospital etc. from her residence on humanitarian grounds. 
In addition to above, this administration intends to follow all the directions/ guidelines issued by DOPT or by your office for protection of Rights of persons with Disabilities in letter and spirit.  The copy of relevant guidelines/ instructions may kindly be provided to this office for its compliance. 
As regards to item 4 of aforesaid order regarding need for creating awareness and sensitization among all officers and staff working in this institution, it is stated that the administration of GNEC will provide suitable place i.e. Auditorium of the hospital for organizing such awareness program under your esteemed guidance.
Kindly depute any of the office having expertise for the purpose of sensitization and communicate us the schedule for the said program”.

8.       On the next date of hearing on 08.05.2019, Sh. S.K. Purohit, S.O. and Sh. Raj Kumar appeared.  Subsequently Sh. D.N. Singh Admin Officer also appeared and submitted that as has already been submitted, no derogatory remarks were made against the complainant.  He personally called the complainant and asked her if she had any evidence about the derogatory remarks allegedly made by the Director against her.  She could not produce any evidence.Therefore, there was no need to organize a session.She has been deployed on a soft duty from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM at the help desk and she is satisfied with the place of posting.

9.       The concerned administrative functionaries of Govt. of NCT of Delhi are expected to be aware about the provisions of the Act, Rules and the provisions made for persons with disabilities in general and the employees in particular as the office of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has organized 07 Training workshops on RPwD Act, 2016 and reservation for persons with disabilities at UTCS after the Act came into effect and all the establishments were requested to depute their officers and staff.  The representatives of the respondent were however, informed that as per Para 2.A of OM no.  36035/3/2013/Estt.(Res) dated 31.03.2014 issued by Department of Personal and Training, each Ministry/ Department of the Government of India, their attached and subordinate offices, Central Public Sector Enterprises, Cantonment Boards should identify the types of jobs which could be easily performed by persons with disabilities specially for Group B, C and D posts where the number of jobs are more.  Such persons should preferably be posted to perform such identified jobs and they be allowed to continue performing such jobs, as far as possible.Para 2.H of the said O.M provides,as far as possible, the persons with disabilities may be exempted from the rotational transfer policy/transfer and be allowed to continue in the same job, where they would have achieved the desired performance.  The said OM can be accessed from the website of DoPT at www.persmin.nic.in.

10.     Rule 14 of the Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018 requires every Government establishment to appoint a Grievance Redressal Officer as mandated under Section 23 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.  Guru Nanak Eye Centre has not appointed the Grievance Redressal Officer so far.  The respondent is therefore advised to appoint the Grievance Redressal Officer within 2 weeks from the date of receipt of this order.

11.     The complainant had informed on telephone that she was on election duty and she had no further submissions to make.  However, at the time of the hearing her telephone was switched off and therefore her brother, Sh. Mohit Dhankhar was contacted on his given telephone and was requested to advise the complainant to email if she had any submissions to make failing which the complaint would be disposed of. No comments/ statement have been received from the complainant till date.  Hence, in the light of the action taken/ proposed to be taken by the respondent, the compliant is disposed of. 

12.     Action taken on the recommendation in para 10 be intimated with 3 months from the date of receipt of this order as required under Section 81 of the Act.

13.     Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 13thday of May, 2019.
                                                                            




                  
(T.D.Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

Pravesh Kumar Vs. Secretary (Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner | Case No. 838/1092/2019/04/2261-2262 | Dated: 13.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 838/1092/2019/04/2261-2262                    Dated: 13.05.2019

In the matter of:

Sh. Pravesh Kumar,
H-36, Gali No. 4, Brahampuri,
Delhi-110053.                                                                 ....Complainant
    
Versus

Secretary (Revenue)/Divisional Commissioner,
Revenue Department, GNCTD
5, Sham Nath Marg,
Delhi-110054.                                                                   ...…Respondent

Date of hearing:       13.05.2019

Present:       Sh. Sh. Pravesh Kumar, Complainant in person.
                    Sh. Ajay Arora, SDM II HQ alongwith Sh. Santosh Kr. Behra, JD (IT) for respondent.
   
ORDER

          The above named complainant, a person with 47% locomotor disability vide his complaint dated 03.04.2019 submitted that he applied for digital disability ID card in the office of SDM, Seelampur on 13.04.2017 vide Registration No. 90800000006258 which was rejected.  His second application was also rejected. The reason for rejection was that the disability is less than 50%.  He further submitted that it is required for renewal of his DTC pass. 
2.       The complaint was taken up with the respondent vide show cum hearing notice dated 24.03.2019 under the provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, hereinafter referred to as Act. 
3.       SDM-V(HQ) vide letter dated 30.04.2019 directed SDM Seelampur to submit comments and a hearing was scheduled on 13.05.2019.  Sh. Santosh Kumar Behra, JD (IT) vide letter dated 11.05.2019 has submitted as under:
“With respect to the above sited subject, the under signed like to convey that Mr. Pravesh Kumar, residence of H-36, Gali no. 4, Brahampuri, Delhi-110053 has filed a complaint dated 03.04.2019 under RPWD Act 2016 to State Commissioner of Person with Disabilities. The following are Para wise/point wise comments to the Commission as follows:
1.         In his complaint he has mentioned that he has applied twice at the O/o of SDM (Seelampur) for issuance of Disability Certificate. He applied on 13-4-2017 and 24-12-2018. Both the times his application was rejected. Rejection reasons were "as per e-district portal for disability below 50% the disability certificate cannot be issued".
2.         In the month of April 2019, the master data in e-District portal for Types of Disabilities and the minimum percentage for each disability has been updated as per the "THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES ACT 2016" wherein the number of disabilities is 21 and minimum percentage is defined as 40%.
3.         The master data for Types of Disabilities and the minimum percentage for each disability from e-District portal prior to April 2019 have been called from NIC; e-District team and placed at Annexure 'A'. The data is showing 50% minimum percentage under the category "Orthopedically Handicapped".
4.         As per the PWD Act 1995 and PWD Act 2016, there is no disability under the category “Orthopedically Handicapped" instead "Locomotor Disability" is there.
5.         Now, the applicant can apply under “Locomotor Disability” having not less than 40% Disability.  The e-District software can allow generating the Disability ID including for other 20 identified type of disabilities as per the PWD Act 2016.”
4.       During the hearing on 13.05.2019, Sh. Ajay Arora, SDM-II, HQ and Sh. Santosh Kumar Behra, Jt. Director (ID) stated that if the complainant accompanied them to their office, they would facilitate him to apply for digital disability ID card and he can download the card online within 15-20 days.  The complainant agrees to accompany them.
5.       In view of the above, the complaint is disposed of.  The complainant is advised to intimate this Court by telephone/email/letter immediately on receipt of the digital disability ID card or by 31.05.2019, whichever is earlier.
6.       Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 13th day of May, 2019. 


(T.D. Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities


Suo Motu Vs. Secretary, Deptt of Social Welfare | Case No. 611/1141/2018/11/2259-2260 | Dated:13.05.2019




In the Court of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities
National Capital Territory of Delhi
25- D, Mata Sundari Road, Near Guru Nanak Eye Centre, New Delhi-2
Phone-011-23216002-04, Telefax: 011-23216005,
[Vested with powers of Civil Court under the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016]

Case No. 611/1141/2018/11/2259-2260                    Dated:13.05.2019

In the matter of:                              
Suo Motu

Versus

The Secretary
Department of Social Welfare
GLNS Complex, Delhi Gate
New Delhi-110002.                                               ......Respondent

ORDER
The Court of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Govt. of India forwarded a copy of the representation dated 02.10.2018 of Smt. Akanksha Michyari, Child Welfare Officer, Tara Homes for Children, New Delhi vide letter dated 13.11.2018.  Ms. Michyari submitted that 21 year old Sh. Vinay Gupta, a person with 61% cerebral palsy has very little family support and grew up in Tara Homes, where he was placed by the Child Welfare Committee in 2012.  Sh. Vinay also has a hole in his heart, a paralysed and crooked arm, a crooked leg and various cognitive problems.  He underwent many operations.  Now he can walk, use both arms to some extent and has a functioning heart.  His IQ is 72.  He has no family support and is not able to live on his own.   She further submitted that as Sh. Vinay had turned 18 years in 2016 and as Tara Homes is registered under the Juvenile Justice Act, it can accommodate children till the age of 18 years only. 
2.       Tara Homes approached Muskaan which is implementing the GHARAUNDA scheme of National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities at MPCC, Dera Complex where Sh. Vinay could spend his entire life.  National Trust also directed Muskaan to admit Sh. Vinay under the GHARAUNDA Scheme. After all the documents were completed, Muskaan informed that he could not be admitted in Dera as the lease of MPCC for Dera Complex had expired in June 2017.   
3.       CWC also directed Tara Homes to contact Chief Commissioner for persons with disabilities and the organization also requested Secretary, Department of Disability Affairs.   Despite all these efforts, they were not able to find any place for Sh. Vinay to stay in Delhi. 
4.       While forwarding the representation to this Court, Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities advised Tara Homes to pursue the matter with this Court. 
5.       The representatives of Tara Homes appeared before me on 17.11.2018 and informed that Sh. Vinay and his elder sister were abandoned by their father and there was no one to take their care.  His sister is working with an NGO and is also pursuing her studies. She has been appointed legal guardian of Sh. Vinay Gupta under the National Trust Act. 
6.       This Court requested Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi to provide suitable Home for Sh. Vinay Gupta as he needed a permanent place to stay and not a school vide letter dated 20.12.2018.  Simultaneously, National Trust and some other organizations were also contacted if some arrangement could be made for the stay and care of Sh. Vinay.  But there is no facility in the Govt. Sector or in any NGO where Sh. Vinay could stay in NCT of Delhi or NCR.  Finally Vatsalya Gram, Mathura, Vrandavan Road agreed to admit Sh. Vinay.  Tara Homes were accordingly informed and advised to admit him there vide letter dated 04.01.2019. 
7.       Vide email dated 29.03.2019, Ms. Basanti K. Roublin, Program Manager, Tara Homes informed that Sh. Vinay Gupta has been admitted to Vatsalya Gram, Mathura on 26.03.2019 where all his needs were being met and his dignity preserved.  This Court also contacted his sister Ms. Sakshi who is working in an NGO and also studying. 
8.       Another case of a person with disability (Sh. Pappu) who has lost his both legs and one arm and is without proper shelter and family support except his ailing 80 year old mother living in Rithala, was also brought to the notice of the State Commissioner on 09.04.2019 by two students of MSW in Delhi University.  Although efforts were made by Social Welfare Department to accommodate him in Cheshire Home Okhla, Delhi yet the students informed that Sh. Pappu and his mother were not prepared to relocate to Okhla.  Many other persons with disabilities who have no family/ community support also stay in night shelters, near temples, under the flyovers, pavements, etc.   
9.       As Sh. Vinay Gupta was admitted to Vatsalya Gram on the advice and the recommendation of this Court, it was considered appropriate to visit and see his condition, the arrangements for his stay, care, skill training etc. and overall development before disposing of the case and making any recommendations. 
10.     During my visit to Vatsalya Gram, I found excellent facilities and arrangements for stay, education, skill training, care and overall development of abandoned children and adults including persons with disabilities.  The organisation has schools, a rehab centre, skill training facility, etc. within the campus.  Those who wish to go for higher education can do so and it is funded by the organization or sponsored by donors.  These residents, majority of whom are girls and women, are kept in a family environment.
11.     It is the responsibility of the state under Article 41 of the Constitution to make effective provision for securing the right to public assistance in case of disablement.  Public assistance in such cases is essential for a life with dignity.  Such assistance for stay, care, education and other support systems should be available in NCT of Delhi itself for residents with disabilities of Delhi who are abandoned and have no family or community support.  It is not a happy situation to send such persons to other states. 
12.     Hon’ble Supreme Court has held that  the right to life enshrined in Article 21 cannot be restricted to mere animal existence.   It means something much more than just physical survival.”  Its reflection is clearly visible  in  the  provisions  made  under Section 24 of the  Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (the Act)  on Social Security  which requires  the  appropriate  Govt. to formulate necessary schemes and programmes to  safeguard and promote the rights of persons with disabilities for  adequate standard of  living  to enable  them  to live independently  or  in  the  community.  It mandates  that  the quantum of assistance  to  persons  with disabilities  shall be  at  least  25% higher than the similar schemes  applicable to others. Sub Section (3) (b) of Section 24 of the Act  specifically  requires that  the  social  security schemes shall provide for “facilities for persons including  children with disabilities who have no family or have been abandoned or without shelter or livelihood.
13.     In view of the provisions in the Constitution and the Act, proper facilities catering for food, shelter, care, education/skill training, health and rehab facilities of reasonable standard must be developed and promoted by the Govt of NCT of Delhi to ensure that every abandoned person with disability who has no family and place to stay in the community is provided all these facilities and a reasonable standard of living which are essential to ensure his /her right to life.
14.     Such facilities can be developed initially on a smaller scale by the Govt. of NCT of Delhi and can be run jointly with some good NGOs working in the social sector having relevant experience.  It will also mitigate the problem of begging by such persons considerably, if not finish it.
15.     In light of the above, following recommendations are made:
               (i)                 Create a facility for food, stay, care, education, skill training and rehabilitation of abandoned persons with disabilities in Delhi to ensure that they live a life of dignity within a period of one year from the date of receipt of this order.
              (ii)                 The Homes for children/abandoned persons being run by Govt. of NCT of Delhi or NGOs in Delhi should be asked to ensure admission of children with disabilities and provide for support systems and the facilities necessary for them. This should be made one of the mandatory conditions for registration and permission to run such Homes in NCT of Delhi in order to promote and ensure inclusiveness.
16.     Given under my hand and seal of the Court this 13th day of May, 2019.

(T.D. Dhariyal)
State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities
Copy to:

1.        Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, 1, Canning Lane (Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane), Near Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Bus Stop, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110 001.