New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday granted the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) one week to file a compliance affidavit detailing its plan to implement screen-reader software in examinations for visually impaired candidates.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing the matter and scheduled the next hearing for February 23.
Court Seeks Detailed Compliance Plan
Referring to its earlier order dated December 3, the Court reiterated that UPSC must:
- File a detailed affidavit outlining the plan, timeline, and process for implementing screen-reader software.
- Provide details of software testing, security measures, and technical standardisation.
- Explain steps taken to ensure uniform implementation at all examination centres.
- Clarify whether the facility can be extended to all eligible candidates from the next examination cycle.
The Bench granted UPSC one week after its counsel sought additional time to file the compliance affidavit.
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Directions on Change of Scribe
The Court had earlier directed UPSC to:
- Include a provision in every exam notification allowing eligible candidates to request a change of scribe at least seven days before the examination.
- Decide on such requests within three working days, providing reasons for acceptance or rejection.
These directions aim to make the examination process more transparent and accessible for candidates with disabilities.
Disability Rights a Constitutional Guarantee
In its order, the Supreme Court observed that rights of persons with disabilities are not a matter of charity or mercy but form part of the constitutional promise of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination.
The case arose from a petition filed by Mission Accessibility, which sought:
- Revision of the deadline for scribe registration in the Civil Services Examination.
- Provision of laptops equipped with screen-reader software.
Accessible digital question papers for eligible candidates.
Coordination with Disability Bodies
The Court also directed UPSC to collaborate with:
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
- The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities.
The aim is to develop uniform guidelines and technical protocols for assistive technologies to ensure a secure, standardised, and accessible examination system.
Key Takeaways
- UPSC given one week to file compliance affidavit.
- Detailed plan required on screen-reader implementation.
- Provision for scribe change at least 7 days before exam.
- Requests for scribe change to be decided within 3 working days.
- Next hearing scheduled for February 23.
