Government petitions Centre for systemic changes to better cater to neurodivergent individuals' needs
The Supreme Court of India has taken notice of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO Action for Autism, seeking systemic reforms for individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. The Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and KV Viswanathan is handling the plea.
The PIL calls for protection of insurance entitlements for neurodivergent individuals, interim relief for the immediate constitution of statutory bodies, and nationwide training of frontline personnel. It also advocates for a shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based model of disability governance, and mandatory training for airport, airline, railway, and metro personnel in handling neurodivergent passengers.
The petition argues for stronger enforcement of constitutional and statutory protections, aligning this shift with India's obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It highlights gaps in the implementation of disability and mental health laws, and emphasizes the need for strengthening early diagnosis, intervention, and specialized centres across States, including Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
The PIL also proposes the creation of sensory-friendly infrastructure at transport hubs and suggests mandatory inclusive education policies in schools and universities, with trained teachers, counsellors, and support staff. The plea specifically mentions the National Trust Act, 1999, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and the 2018 amendments to the National Trust framework.
Although no recent updates or current status details about this specific PIL are available in the indexed documents from August 2025, one might consider checking official Supreme Court or High Court case status databases using the petition number if known, looking into announcements or press releases from Action for Autism or related disability rights organizations in India focused on neurodivergence, or monitoring legal news portals specializing in disability rights or neurodiversity reforms for the most accurate and current status.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Union Government in response to the PIL, and the matter will be heard after the Centre files its response. Among the specific directions sought are unspecified ones related to the implementation of the mentioned legislations.
The petition asserts the importance of securing insurance entitlements for individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, as part of a comprehensive approach towards health-and-wellness that encompasses mental health and neurological disorders. In the pursuit of a rights-based model of disability governance, the petition advocates for systemic reforms, including nationwide training for frontline personnel, mandatory training for transport personnel, and the creation of sensory-friendly infrastructure at transport hubs. The PIL also emphasizes the need for stronger medical-conditions awareness and compliance with laws related to disability and mental health, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
