New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Delhi High Court on Tuesday gave a final opportunity to the Delhi government to submit a status report concerning a plea by several blind students seeking accommodation during their higher education.
Justice Sachin Datta noted that despite previous directives, the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department had not filed the required report.
"A last opportunity is granted to file the status report within four weeks. It is made clear that if the status report is not filed, the matter will be decided on the basis of material available on record," the court stated.
The case has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 1.
The five petitioners, who completed their schooling at the Institution for the Blind in Lajpat Nagar, had been residing in a hostel provided by the institution. However, after completing their schooling and enrolling in undergraduate courses at Delhi University, they were asked to vacate the hostel.
Represented by advocates Rahul Bajaj and Amar Jain, the petitioners argued that the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department was obligated to provide them with alternative accommodation. Their counsel also referred to a legal precedent, emphasizing that since the petitioners were pursuing higher education at Delhi University, the institution had a responsibility to ensure their housing needs were met.
The plea highlighted that there was no designated hostel facility for visually impaired students or other persons with disabilities pursuing graduation from Delhi University. It called for the government to address this gap in accessible accommodation.
Justice Sachin Datta noted that despite previous directives, the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department had not filed the required report.
"A last opportunity is granted to file the status report within four weeks. It is made clear that if the status report is not filed, the matter will be decided on the basis of material available on record," the court stated.
The case has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 1.
The five petitioners, who completed their schooling at the Institution for the Blind in Lajpat Nagar, had been residing in a hostel provided by the institution. However, after completing their schooling and enrolling in undergraduate courses at Delhi University, they were asked to vacate the hostel.
Represented by advocates Rahul Bajaj and Amar Jain, the petitioners argued that the Delhi government's Social Welfare Department was obligated to provide them with alternative accommodation. Their counsel also referred to a legal precedent, emphasizing that since the petitioners were pursuing higher education at Delhi University, the institution had a responsibility to ensure their housing needs were met.
The plea highlighted that there was no designated hostel facility for visually impaired students or other persons with disabilities pursuing graduation from Delhi University. It called for the government to address this gap in accessible accommodation.
