The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the UPSC to have the following in the notification for the examination that this could be invoked by an eligible candidate for a change of scribe at least seven days before the exam.

The court also directed the UPSC to file a compliance affidavit within two months, setting out in detail the proposed action plan, timetable, and modalities for allowing the use of screen-reader software to visually impaired candidates for examinations conducted by the Commission.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta observed that the rights so extended to persons with disabilities are not a charity; rather, they are an expression of the constitutional promise of equality, respect, and non-discrimination.

The true path to inclusion lies not only in formulating progressive policies but also in implementing them honestly and effectively. The Supreme Court delivered its verdict on a petition filed by an organization called Mission Accessibility.

In its verdict, the Supreme Court directed that the application of a candidate eligible for a change of scribe be properly considered and disposed of by issuing a reasoned order within three days of receiving the application. The court adjourned the hearing of the case until February 16 next year, pending a compliance affidavit from the UPSC.