CJI Surya Kant issues notice over systemic accessibility failures for 7 million disabled passengers
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Prelims + Mains·
Right to Accessibility and inclusive infrastructure: a GS2 Social Justice and Public Policy case study.
Why in news
A three-judge Bench led by CJI Surya Kant issued a notice to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other bodies over a petition alleging systemic accessibility failures for over seven million disabled passengers annually.
Background
The petition was filed by Turab Chimthanawala, represented by Ashutosh Senger. It names the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, Central Industrial Security Force, and Digi Yatra Foundation as respondents.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyDirectorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body for civil aviation in India
- BodyAirports Authority of India (AAI) manages many of the country's airports
- FactThe petition alleges accessibility failures affecting over seven million passengers with disabilities annually
- PostSurya Kant is the Chief Justice of India (CJI) as of October 2026
Prelims practice question
Which body is named as a respondent in the petition regarding systemic accessibility failures for disabled passengers?
- (a)IRDAI
- (b)SEBI
- (c)DGCA
- (d)TRAI
Show answer
Answer: (c) DGCA — The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is one of the respondents named in the petition.
For Mains
Q. Examine the institutional and infrastructural barriers faced by persons with disabilities in public transport and suggest measures to ensure universal accessibility.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory oversight: Lack of standardized accessibility audits for aviation infrastructure
- Digital divide: Inaccessibility of biometric systems like Digi Yatra for visually impaired users
- Policy implementation: Gap between Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandates and ground-level aviation facilities
Keywords: Universal Design · Right to Accessibility · Inclusive Infrastructure · Judicial Activism · Barrier-free Environment
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