The Supreme Court has directed eight National Law Universities (NLUs) to conduct a detailed assessment of the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 across all states and Union Territories. The court noted that most governments have now appointed Nodal Officers to coordinate the court-monitored exercise under "Project Ability Empowerment," according to a report by Bar and Bench.
Bench Details
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued the direction while hearing a long-pending plea filed by the Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation regarding the implementation of disability rights laws. Despite repeated judicial directions over the years, the apex court observed that implementation of disability rights legislation by several states and UTs remained inadequate.
Institutional Framework
The court stated that the appointment of Nodal Officers provides an institutional framework for coordination and accountability, which was previously lacking. This framework is expected to facilitate the collection of accurate data, identification of deficiencies, and prompt redressal of gaps in implementation across jurisdictions, as quoted by Bar and Bench. Even under the earlier 1995 disability law, compliance levels were poor, making continued judicial monitoring necessary.
Expansion of Project Ability Empowerment
The court expanded the scope of "Project Ability Empowerment," which was launched in September 2025 to initially examine conditions in state-run and private institutions housing persons with disabilities. The latest order widened the exercise into a broader review of implementation of the RPwD Act across the country. The bench emphasized that the assessment must not remain a "mere formal review" but should involve a "substantive evaluation" of compliance with statutory mandates, including accessibility measures, institutional mechanisms, and enforcement of disability rights.
Nodal Officers Appointed
The Supreme Court also took note of submissions that most states and UTs had finally appointed nodal officers to coordinate with the monitoring exercise after earlier delays. The court said the appointment of nodal officers would help create an institutional framework for accountability and coordination. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 22, when updated status reports from the NLUs are expected to be placed before the court.
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