New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a separate reservation quota and concessional railway fares for acid attack victims, who are currently excluded from benefits available to Persons with Disabilities.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the Ministry of Railways, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the National Commission for Women and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on the petition filed by Atijeevan Society under Article 32 of the Constitution.

The plea, filed through advocate Anandh Venkataramani, argued that despite being recognised as persons with specified disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, acid attack victims are denied railway fare concessions and are not covered under the earmarked disability quota in the Railways’ Coaching Tariff No. 26.

The petition highlighted that acid attack survivors suffer lifelong facial and bodily disfigurement, often resulting in blindness and severe physical disability, and require repeated reconstructive surgeries and specialised treatment available mainly at tertiary hospitals in major cities.

“Due to the nature of their burn injuries, persistent itching, and especially after undergoing surgery, acid attack victims often need to travel by train in air-conditioned coaches. However, the cost of AC tickets for frequent travel is extremely high and often becomes unaffordable for them,” the plea stated.

It further said the exclusion of acid attack victims from concessional railway fares is “ex facie arbitrary” and violates Article 14 of the Constitution, particularly when similar benefits are extended to other categories of persons with disabilities.

The petition also referred to Section 41(2) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which mandates the government to promote personal mobility for persons with disabilities through incentives and concessions.

Pragya Prasun, founder of the Atijeevan Foundation, contended that denial of railway concessions and reservation quotas infringes the right to live with dignity, an essential part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

IANS