Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre on Petition Seeking Expert Panel to Frame Autism Protection Guidelines
Petition urges formation of expert committee to frame comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and protection standards for persons with autism and intellectual disabilities.
New Delhi, Dec 15: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre, seeking its response to a petition that calls for the constitution of a national expert committee to formulate comprehensive guidelines for the care, rehabilitation, and protection of persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan issued notices to the Union of India, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and other concerned authorities.
The plea, filed by NGO Hrdya Saras Foundation and others, requests the establishment of population-based residential facilities for persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities in every district. It also seeks binding standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the regulation, monitoring, and management of such facilities.
The petition calls for a national expert committee that includes representatives of autistic persons, parents’ associations, disability-rights experts, and medical professionals to draft and finalize the guidelines. It emphasizes ensuring proper medical facilities, continuous access to doctors, therapists, and trained caregivers, as well as safe and hygienic living conditions.
Additionally, the plea seeks mandatory minimum standards for residential homes, covering nutrition, staffing, emergency preparedness, and transparency in financial dealings to prevent exploitative fee structures. It also urges the establishment of pilot residential communities in each state and Union Territory based on these SOPs.
The petition further requests the Supreme Court to direct regular audits, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms to prevent abuse, neglect, or exploitation in these facilities.
