Supreme Court Rules Disability Rights Must Be Core Part of Corporate Social Responsibility in India

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In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has emphasized the importance of disability rights in achieving true equality at the workplace. The court ruled that companies, especially public sector undertakings, must treat disability rights as a core part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR), rather than viewing them as charity or mere compliance. The judgment came in a case involving a woman with 57% disability who was denied appointment as a management trainee at Coal India Ltd. despite being shortlisted and cleared in the preliminary stages. The court observed that the woman's determination and desire to work were evident, and that her rights as a person with disability were unfairly excluded. The Supreme Court directed Coal India to create an additional post for the woman and appoint her as a management trainee, with suitable accommodations such as a separate computer and keyboard. The court also emphasized the importance of disability inclusion in CSR and global human rights standards, citing UN and ILO principles. The ruling underlines the principle of 'reasonable accommodation' enshrined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and highlights the intersection of disability and gender. The court noted that businesses have an obligation to respect the human rights of persons with disabilities and ensure non-discrimination at the workplace. The judgment is seen as a significant step towards promoting disability inclusion in the workplace and upholding the rights of persons with disabilities in India. It also underscores the importance of CSR in promoting social responsibility and dignity in the workplace.