Supreme Court Upholds Job Claims for Candidates with Learning Disabilities and Mental Illness

The Supreme Court ruled that government authorities cannot deny appointments to persons with benchmark disabilities by relying on outdated post-identification lists.

The Bench held that a 2021 notification under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which recognizes mental illness and specific learning disabilities (SLD), supersedes the older 2013 classifications.

The Court directed the appointment of two candidates to Auditor posts within the CAG, noting that the High Court erred by overlooking the updated eligibility criteria.

The Court further ordered the creation of supernumerary posts if current vacancies are filled to ensure the candidates’ inclusion.

[Sudhanshu Kardam v. Comptroller & Auditor General of India & Ors.]