The Supreme Court has provided significant relief to law students with benchmark disabilities, addressing challenges they faced in appearing for the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT)-PG 2024 and the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)-XIX. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan passed orders facilitating reasonable accommodations for these students.
Accommodation for AIBE-XIX Candidates
The Court granted permission to students with disabilities to use computers equipped with Job Access With Speech (JAWS) software during the AIBE exam. It directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to cover the costs of the software and allow candidates to test their computers and software a day before the exam. The bench also allowed students to bring their own keyboards for enhanced accessibility.
During the hearing, Advocate Rahul Bajaj, representing the petitioners, emphasized the need for accessible technology like JAWS for visually impaired students. Justice Kant dismissed concerns about financial constraints, urging the BCI to allocate its resources to fulfill these obligations, even suggesting adjustments in fee structures if necessary.
Relief for CLAT-PG Candidates
The Court also examined the provisions for scribes for CLAT-PG aspirants, including a 100% blind petitioner. While the Consortium of National Law Universities permitted the use of scribes, the bench criticized the lack of a uniform policy to address such recurring issues. Justice Kant expressed dissatisfaction with the Consortium’s failure to proactively resolve these concerns despite conducting the exam for over a decade. The Court directed the Consortium to deliberate on these issues and implement a policy within four weeks.
Broader Implications
This decision aligns with the 2018 Office Memorandum by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, emphasizing equitable access to education for specially-abled students. The Court’s strong stance signals its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in legal education and professional qualification exams, urging responsible institutions to adopt systematic and permanent solutions.
Case Details
Title: Yash Dodani and Others v. Union of India and Others
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 785/2024
This decision underscores the judiciary’s critical role in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities in the legal profession.
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