Appoint State Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities Within Four Weeks: High Court To Delhi Govt

The Delhi High Court has asked the Delhi Government to take steps to appoint the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for the National Capital Territory within four weeks.

Justice Amit Mahajan was dealing with a petition filed by one Saurabh Dikshit, seeking appointment of the State Commissioner and a time-bound decision on his complaint against a third party.

The appointment of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities is provided under Section 79 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Dikshit also sought adjudication of his grievances concerning alleged denial of reasonable accommodation and his termination from employment on March 12, 2021, claiming violations of the RPwD Act.

Appearing for the authorities, the Delhi Government's counsel informed the Court that steps for appointment of the State Commissioner had already been taken and that the list of shortlisted candidates had been forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

The counsel expressed hope that the remaining steps in the appointment process would be completed without delay.

Taking note of the submission, the Court directed:

“…the respondents are requested to take steps for appointment of State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities for the National Capital Territory of Delhi within a period of four weeks…”

It further directed that Dikshit's complaint be decided expeditiously thereafter.

The Court disposed of the petition, clarifying that Dikshit would be at liberty to approach it again if any grievance remained.