This story is from November 27, 2020

Reconsider order for disabled: Karnataka HC

​Taking note of difficulties visually-impaired people can face during the pandemic, the high court on Thursday directed the state government to reconsider its May 18 circular that made it mandatory for all employees of government and autonomous bodies to return to work.
Reconsider order for disabled: Karnataka HC
Picture used for representational purpose only
BENGALURU: Taking note of difficulties visually-impaired people can face during the pandemic, the high court on Thursday directed the state government to reconsider its May 18 circular that made it mandatory for all employees of government and autonomous bodies to return to work.
The circular was challenged by Karnataka Federation of the Blind. ‘We direct the state government to reconsider its decision considering the right of differently abled persons.
An appropriate decision will have to be taken by the state government within two weeks,” a division bench headed by chief justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka observed while asking the state government to convey its stand by December 11.
The bench added that the government is duty-bound to consider guidelines issued by the ministry of empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Jayna Kothari said the circular is contrary to a series of directions issued by the Centre in June, September and on October 7 which exempted differently abled employees from attending workplaces or gave work from home option. The court was told a fallout of the circular is that differently abled employees, particularly visually impaired who often need help, come into physical contact with others (while attending to work) which is a risky proposition.
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