Supreme Court Grants UPSC One Week to File Compliance on Screen Reader Arrangement
The Supreme Court on Monday granted the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) a one-week extension to submit its compliance affidavit regarding the implementation of screen-reader software for visually impaired candidates appearing in examinations. The directive comes as part of an ongoing effort to make the civil services examination process more accessible and inclusive.
Earlier Directives from the Apex Court
In its previous order dated December 3, the Supreme Court had instructed UPSC to incorporate a provision in every examination notification allowing eligible candidates to request a change of scribe up to at least seven days before the examination date. This was aimed at giving candidates adequate flexibility and ensuring fairness in the examination process.
The court had also mandated that UPSC file a detailed affidavit within two months, outlining the complete plan, timeline, and procedure for deploying screen-reader software. The affidavit was expected to provide clarity on how the technology would be integrated into the examination framework.
Focus on Software Testing and Security
The court further emphasized that the affidavit should detail the steps to be taken for testing, standardization, and implementation of the software across all examination centers. This includes ensuring that the technology meets security requirements and functions uniformly regardless of location.
Additionally, the bench sought information on whether this facility could be made available to all eligible candidates starting from the next examination cycle. The court wanted a clear timeline for when the accessibility feature would become fully operational for every qualifying aspirant.
Next Hearing Scheduled for February 23
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta. During the proceedings, the counsel representing UPSC stated that the commission is fully complying with the court’s instructions but required additional time to prepare and file the compliance affidavit.
Accepting this request, the bench granted a one-week extension and scheduled the next hearing for February 23. This gives UPSC sufficient time to compile the necessary documentation and present a comprehensive response to the court’s directives.
Disability Rights Are Constitutional Rights, Not Charity
In its ruling, the Supreme Court made a significant observation that the rights of persons with disabilities are not acts of charity but rather part of the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and non-discriminatory treatment. This statement underscores the legal and moral obligation of institutions to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
The case originated from a petition filed by an organization called Mission Accessibility. The petitioner had sought changes to the scribe registration timeline for the civil services examination and requested that eligible candidates be permitted to use laptops equipped with screen-reader software and accessible digital question papers.
Additional Instructions Issued
Beyond the screen-reader implementation, the Supreme Court also directed UPSC to decide on requests for changing scribes within three working days, with reasons recorded for any rejection. This ensures transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
The commission has also been asked to collaborate with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities to develop uniform guidelines and protocols for the use of screen readers and other assistive technologies. This collaborative approach aims to create a standardized, secure, and accessible examination process that upholds the rights of all candidates.
The court’s intervention marks a significant step toward making competitive examinations more inclusive for visually impaired aspirants, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their sighted counterparts. With the next hearing scheduled for later this month, all eyes will be on UPSC’s compliance and the subsequent implementation of these accessibility measures.
