Kerala High Court Directs Constitution Of Medical Board To Consider 22-Yr-Old Law Student's Plea Seeking Scribe Due To Fibromyalgia

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the District Medical Officer, Thrissur ('DMO') and the Superintendent of the Thrissur General Hospital to constitute a Medical Board to consider the request of a 22 year old law student seeking the issuance of a Certificate so as to avail the assistance of a scribe for writing her upcoming exams. 

Justice T.R. Ravi passed the Order, clarifying that the necessary certificates ought to be issued to the student on or before November 18, 2023. 

The student, who is presently in the 10th semester of the 5-year integrated LL.B. Course at Government Law College, Thrissur, averred that she was suffering from chronic Fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. She submitted that the disease causes her intense pain and weakness, which affects her daily activities, and that her writing speed also decreases significantly due to pain and weakness while doing assignments. 

In light of the University notifying the 7th semester which is set to commence from November 20, 2023, the petitioner submitted representations before the Principal of the College, and the Controller of Examinations, seeking the assistance of a scribe for writing the exam. The petitioner was however informed by the authorities that she would have to obtain a certificate from the Medical Board constituted at the District Hospital, Thrissur for the purposes of engaging a scribe. 

The petitioner averred that she thereafter approached the DMO and the Superintedent of the Thrissur General Hospital for the same, but alleged inaction on their part. 

She thus approached the Court seeking the issuance of directions to the respondents to consider her request expeditiously, and constitute a medical board for the issuance of the required certificates, considering the examination is set to commence soon. 

The plea has been moved through Advocates Rebin Vincent Gralan, Dinesh G. Warrier, and Vimal Vijay. 

Case Title: Abitha P. Sunil v. State of Kerala 

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 37824 OF 2023(C)

Click Here To Read/Download The Order