Summary
The Supreme Court issued directions for leprosy detection, free treatment, public awareness, non-discrimination and rehabilitation. The Union and States must publish survey findings, maintain drug supplies and integrate treatment into general healthcare without discriminatory isolation. Schools must not exclude children from affected families. The order also addresses food benefits, corrective surgery, footwear and community rehabilitation, while recommending consideration of financial assistance and disability-assessment rules.
Issues
- What measures the Union and States must take to improve leprosy detection, treatment and social inclusion.
- What healthcare, education, food-security and rehabilitation safeguards should protect affected persons and their families.
Held
- The Union and States must undertake periodic national surveys of prevalence and new cases, publish the 2010–11 and subsequent survey reports, and widely publicise the National Leprosy Eradication Programme. (¶ 18(i))
- Awareness campaigns must operate throughout the year, with major campaigns on the internationally observed leprosy day, explain treatment and its free availability, use positive images of cured persons, and oppose exclusion from ordinary family, community, work and school life. Seminars must hear former patients, families and relevant professionals and organisations. (¶¶ 18(ii), 18(iv)–18(vi))
- Free drugs for leprosy and its complications, including MDT, must remain available without stock-outs at primary or other public health facilities. Government and private healthcare providers must avoid discrimination, integrate treatment into general wards and outpatient services, protect women’s equal access, and sensitise personnel. Appropriate corrective-surgery facilities must also be provided. (¶¶ 18(iii), 18(vii)–18(viii))
- The authorities should explore leprosy education in school curricula. Public and private schools must not turn away children from affected families, and efforts should be made to provide free education. (¶ 18(ix)–18(x))
- Attention must be given to issuing BPL cards so affected persons can access food-security schemes. The Union and States should endeavour to supply free MCR footwear, consider minimum rehabilitation assistance preferably monthly, and formulate a comprehensive community-based rehabilitation scheme addressing affected persons’ and families’ basic needs and stigma. (¶ 18(xi)–18(xiv))
- The Union may consider separate rules for assessing disability for certification under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The petition was disposed of with the stated directions, without costs. (¶¶ 18(xv), 19)
Result
Writ petition disposed of without costs with fifteen directions addressing surveys, awareness, treatment, non-discrimination, education, welfare and rehabilitation; financial assistance and disability-assessment rules left for consideration.