PANKAJ SINHA versus UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

PANKAJ SINHA versus UNION OF INDIA AND OTHERS

The Court held that persons affected by leprosy continue to suffer due to lack of awareness and social stigma; government authorities must take comprehensive measures to protect their rights to equality, dignity, health, education, and rehabilitation through periodic surveys, awareness campaigns, drug availability, non-discrimination in health and education, and community-based rehabilitation, as set out in the listed directions.

Parties
Petitioner: Pankaj Sinha; Respondent: Union of India; Respondent: States of India (Respondent Nos. 2-30); Respondent: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA); Respondent: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
14 September 2018
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) / Final Disposition
Outcome
petition disposed of
Legal Topics
Protection of Leprosy Affected Persons, Right to Equality, Right to Dignity, Non Discrimination, Public Awareness Campaigns, Free Healthcare, Education of Children From Leprosy Affected Families, Disability Certificates
Constitutional Law Public Health Disability Rights Protection of Leprosy Affected Persons Right to Equality Right to Dignity Non Discrimination Public Awareness Campaigns +3 more

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Parties

Pankaj Sinha

Petitioner

Union of India

Respondent

States of India (Respondent Nos. 2-30)

Respondent

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA)

Respondent

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) / Final Disposition

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Directions for protection, rehabilitation, and non-discrimination of persons affected by leprosy and their families
  2. 2 Ensuring periodic national surveys and awareness campaigns regarding leprosy
  3. 3 Ensuring availability of drugs and facilities to leprosy patients

Ratio Decidendi

The Court held that persons affected by leprosy continue to suffer due to lack of awareness and social stigma; government authorities must take comprehensive measures to protect their rights to equality, dignity, health, education, and rehabilitation through periodic surveys, awareness campaigns, drug availability, non-discrimination in health and education, and community-based rehabilitation, as set out in the listed directions.

Court Disposition

petition disposed of

Orders

  • Union of India and the States to undertake periodic national surveys and publish reports on leprosy prevalence and detection rates.
  • Wide publicity of National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) activities.