SC asks government to remove laws discriminate against leprosy patients

In the modern age, the dangerous disease of leprosy is completely curable. Still, no efforts have been made until now to eliminate the laws created with the support of the old notions and beliefs regarding this disease.

The unfortunate fact is that in this democratic country, there are laws which even deny them access to the public service and bar them from occupying or contesting for public posts.

There is no doubt that these laws which discriminate against leprosy patients in various ways stands contrary to the fundamental right to equality, dignity and equal opportunity.

It seems that a Public Interest Litigation presented by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy through senior advocate Raju Ramachandran has helped the top court of the country to understand this reality.

The top court, while considering the aforementioned PIL, has asked the central and state governments to revoke all references to leprosy as a disability from law books.

While responding in the court, the central government’s representative has informed the court that the government is working towards deleting all provisions which discriminates against leprosy patients and fills a virtual stigma around this disease.

As per a study, there are at least one hundred and nineteen laws which directly or indirectly discriminate against leprosy.

Will the government make changes in all these laws?

Vignesh. S. G

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