New Delhi, March 20 The Supreme Court on Friday emphasized the need to find ways to assist people with disabilities, and suggested that taxi services should be equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices for them.
The observations came from a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, which was hearing a plea regarding first-mile and last-mile connectivity for people with disabilities.
"Now, in larger metros, there are taxis everywhere. Taxis should also be asked to accommodate wheelchairs or assistive devices of these persons," the bench said, proposing the idea of having specific taxis designated for persons with disabilities.
"The apps can have provision for specified taxis which have been accordingly modified for these individuals," the bench said, adding, "We have to find out the ways and means to help them."
The counsel appearing for the petitioner referred to the difficulties faced by people with disabilities while boarding taxis.
"Most taxis are equipped with CNG, which limits space and does not allow for wheelchairs to be transported in the back," the counsel said.
He proposed implementing a universal design similar to what is available in European markets.
"Take the case of a person whose house is, say, one km away from the highway or the main road. He comes on an automated wheelchair. If he doesn't accommodate it in the taxi, where does he leave it?" the bench asked the counsel appearing for the Centre.
In response, the Centre's counsel stated that these issues are currently under review by the relevant department. They also informed the bench that a committee had been appointed by the Supreme Court to address a separate petition that raised similar concerns.
The bench observed that the issue raised in this petition could also be considered by that committee.
The petitioner's counsel said that they had a specific case concerning last-mile connectivity, distinct from broader issues.
"That specific issue can also be taken up by the committee, which is already dealing with larger issues," the bench observed.
The petitioner's counsel reminded the court that taxis are now an integral part of public transport.
The Supreme Court has scheduled further hearings on the plea for March 24.