Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Bombay High Court at Goa has expanded the ambit of a public interest litigation (PIL) on accessibility, indicating that the proceedings should not remain confined to making public buses disability-friendly but should instead promote inclusive infrastructure across the State.
The observations came during the hearing of a petition that had initially sought accessible Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) buses for commuters with visual and physical disabilities.
The Division Bench observed that the reliefs sought in the petition were too limited and said the case should take into account the needs of all 18 categories of disabilities recognised under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The Court indicated that the proceedings could serve as an opportunity to strengthen accessibility standards in public services and infrastructure more broadly.
The Bench also noted that Goa’s existing transport regulations do not comprehensively address accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities. In response, the State government informed the Court that it would examine the suggestions placed before it and consider the necessary changes.
To assist in the process, the Court directed the petitioner’s counsel to coordinate with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, observing that the Commissioner has considerable experience in implementing accessibility and inclusion initiatives, including the organisation of Goa’s Purple Fest.
During the hearing, it was also argued that the matter falls partly within the jurisdiction of the Central Government, since technical standards and design specifications for public buses are prescribed under central regulations.
Accepting this submission, the High Court added the concerned Union Government department responsible for implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act as a respondent in the case.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 19, when the Court will review the responses of the State and Central authorities and consider the next course of action.
