REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO.9096 OF 2013 (Arisi !

"#$ "% SLP (Ci&i'( N". )*+1 "% 2009( Union of India & Anr. Versus National Federation of the Blind & Ors. .... Respondent(s) .... Appellant(s)

JUD,MENT
P. S-$.-si&-/0 CJI.
1) !) Leave ranted. "his appeal is dire#ted a ainst the final $ud %ent and order

dated 1&.1!.!''( passed )* the +i h ,ourt of -elhi at Ne. -elhi in /rit 0etition (,) No. 11(!( of !''2 .herein the +i h ,ourt interpreted 3e#tion 44 of the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) A#t7 1&&1 (in short 8the A#t9) and issued various dire#tions to )e #o%plied .ith )* the appellants herein.

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4) (a)

Bri1% %-2$s3 National Federation of the Blind:Respondent No. 1 herein is

an ape; or ani<ation and a so#iet* re istered under the 3o#ieties Re istration A#t7 1(2'7 havin its +ead Offi#e at Ne. -elhi and is .or=in for the prote#tion of the ri hts of the visuall* #hallen ed. ()) In the *ear !''27 Respondent No. 1 herein filed a .rit +i h ,ourt in pu)li# interest see=in that the

petition )efore the

i%ple%entation of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t alle in

appellants herein have failed to provide reservation to the )lind and lo. vision persons and the* are virtuall* e;#luded fro% the pro#ess of re#ruit%ent to the >overn%ent posts as stipulated under the said A#t. (#) In the a)ove )a#=drop7 it is relevant to %ention that .a*

)a#= in 1&??7 the erst.hile @inistr* of 3o#ial /elfare7 >overn%ent of India7 %ade reservation in favour of the follo.in three

#ate ories of disa)led persons in >roup , & - posts to the e;tent of 1 per #ent ea#h for the (i) BlindA (ii) +earin I%pair%entA and (iii) persons sufferin and 3pee#h

fro% lo#o%otor disa)ilit*. (-o0")7

In the *ear 1&(27 the -epart%ent of 0ersonnel & "rainin

dire#ted all the depart%ents to ta=e into a##ount )oth identified

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and unidentified posts for .or=in

out the total nu%)er of

va#an#ies to )e reserved for ea#h of the disa)led #ate ories. In spite of the a)ove said e;e#utive order7 various overn%ent

depart%ents and pu)li# se#tor underta=in s did not ive effe#t to the s#he%e of reservation .hi#h #o%pelled Respondent No. 1 herein to or ani<e a nation .ide a itation7 as a result of .hi#h7 an a ree%ent .as arrived at )et.een the parties on !?.'(.1&(? to underta=e a 3pe#ial Re#ruit%ent -rive for #learin up the )a#=lo of va#an#ies. (d) On '?.'!.1&&27 the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual

Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) A#t7 1&&1 .as )rou ht into for#e %a=in reservation of at least 4

per#ent posts in all overn%ent esta)lish%ents to the e;tent of 1 per #ent ea#h for the persons sufferin visionA (ii) hearin #ere)ral pals*. fro% (i) )lindness or lo.

i%pair%entA and (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or

After ena#t%ent of the said A#t7 Union of India proper i%ple%entation of the

issued various orders for ensurin

provisions of the A#t for the persons .ith disa)ilities. (e) Respondent No. 1 herein7 )* filin the a)ove said petition

)efore the +i h ,ourt asserted that despite statutor* provisions

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and various e;e#utive orders7 dis#ri%ination a ainst the persons .ith disa)ilities #ontinued in fillin up the va#an#ies in various

overn%ent depart%ents .hereas it .as #ontended )* the other side that the Offi#e @e%orandu% (O@) dated !&.1!.!''17 issued )* the -epart%ent of 0ersonnel & "rainin 7 inter alia provides a s*ste% for ensurin proper i%ple%entation of the provisions of

the A#t for the persons .ith disa)ilities. (f) Vide order dated 1&.1!.!''(7 the +i h ,ourt disposed of the the Union of India to %odif* the O@ dated

petition dire#tin

!&.1!.!''1 )ein in#onsistent .ith the provisions of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t and issued several other dire#tions. ( ) Bein a rieved of the a)ove7 the appellants have preferred

this appeal )* .a* of spe#ial leave )efore this ,ourt. (h) "a%il Nadu +andi#apped Federation ,harita)le "rust7 3%t 3.

Ra$es.ari and Asso#iation for 0h*si#all* ,hallen ed 0eople Ordnan#e ,lothin Fa#tor* filed appli#ations for i%plead%ent.

Vide order dated !!.'?.!'117 this ,ourt did not allo. the% to i%plead )ut to a#t as intervenors in the pro#eedin s. B) +eard @s. Indra Caisin h7 learned Additional 3oli#itor >eneral

for the Union of India7 @r. 3.D. Run ta7 learned senior #ounsel (R:

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1) appearin

in person and @r. R. 0ra)ha=aran7 learned #ounsel

for Intervenors. S#4/issi" s3 1) @s. Indra Caisin h7 learned Additional 3oli#itor >eneral for the us throu h various provisions of the

Union of India7 after ta=in

A#t and O@(s) issued )* the >overn%ent of India su)%itted that the i%pu ned $ud %ent of the +i h ,ourt is a ainst the provisions of the A#t. 3he further pointed out that the findin of the +i h

,ourt that in ter%s of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t7 4E reservation for the disa)led persons has to )e #o%puted on the )asis of total stren th of the #adre7 i.e.7 )oth identified as .ell as unidentified posts is erroneous. In an* event7 a##ordin to her7 the dire#tion of the +i h ,ourt to .or= out )a#=lo va#an#ies for the disa)led

persons on the total #adre stren th in different esta)lish%ents .ithin one %onth fro% the date of the order is i%pra#ti#al and not e;e#uta)le. It is further hi hli hted that a##ordin to 3e#tion 44

of the A#t7 reservation to the persons .ith disa)ilities in an esta)lish%ent shall )e 4E of the va#an#ies arisin in the posts "he +i h

.hi#h are identified for the persons .ith disa)ilities.

,ourt7 )* the i%pu ned $ud %ent7 distur)ed the ver* )asi#

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s*ste% of the reservation of posts for the persons .ith disa)ilities. 3he further hi hli hted that the reservation for >roup , and posts is )ein #al#ulated on the )asis of the va#an#ies in identified as .ell as unidentified posts prior to the A#t #a%e into e;isten#e and in vie. of the provisions of 3e#tion ?! of the A#t7 #ontinued in the sa%e .a*7 ho.ever7 reservation for >roup A and B posts is )ein #al#ulated on the )asis of the va#an#ies for identified posts

as per the provisions of the A#t. 2) On the other hand7 @r. 3.D. Run ta7 learned senior #ounsel in person su)%itted that in ter%s of the

(R:1) appearin

provisions of the A#t7 %ore parti#ularl*7 3e#tions 4! and 44 of the A#t7 it is o)li ator* on the part of the >overn%ent esta)lish%ents to provide at least 4E reservation of posts in the total #adre stren th and not in the identified va#an#ies. +e further pointed out that thou h the A#t .as passed in 1&&1 sin#e then the provisions have not )een stri#tl* i%ple%ented. +e pra*ed for

further ti%e )ound dire#tion for i%ple%entation of the sa%e. ?) @r. R. 0ra)ha=aran7 learned #ounsel for intervenors

reiterated the su)%issions %ade )* @r. 3.D. Run ta.

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()

/e have perused all the relevant %aterials and #onsidered

the rival su)%issions.

R1'1&- $ Pr"&isi" s3 &) In order to ans.er the rival #ontentions7 it is desira)le to

6uote the relevant provision of the A#t. 3e#tions !(a)7 !(i)7 !($) and !(=) of the A#t read as underF
G!(a) Gappropriate >overn%entH %eans7: (i) in relation to the ,entral >overn%ent or an* esta)lish%ent .holl* or su)stantiall* finan#ed )* that >overn%ent7 or a ,anton%ent Board #onstituted under the ,anton%ent A#t7 1&!B (! of 1&!B)7 the ,entral >overn%entA in relation to a 3tate >overn%ent or an* esta)lish%ent .holl* or su)stantiall* finan#ed )* that >overn%ent or an* lo#al authorit*7 other than a ,anton%ent Board7 the 3tate >overn%entA in respe#t of the ,entral ,o:ordination ,o%%ittee and the ,entral 5;e#utive ,o%%ittee7 the ,entral >overn%entA in respe#t of the 3tate ,o:ordination ,o%%ittee and the 3tate 5;e#utive ,o%%ittee7 the 3tate >overn%entA I-isa)ilit*I %eans: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) )lindnessA lo. visionA lepros*:#uredA hearin i%pair%entA lo#o%otor disa)ilit*A %ental retardationA %ental illnessA

(ii)

(iii) (iv) !(i)

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!($) (i)

Ie%plo*erI %eans7: in relation to a >overn%ent7 the authorit* notified )* the +ead of the -epart%ent in this )ehalf or .here no su#h authorit* is notified7 the +ead of the -epart%entA and in relation to an esta)lish%ent7 the ,hief 5;e#utive Offi#er of that esta)lish%entA

(ii)

!(=) Iesta)lish%entI %eans a #orporation esta)lished )* or under a ,entral7 0rovin#ial or 3tate A#t7 or an authorit* or a )od* o.ned or #ontrolled or aided )* the >overn%ent or a lo#al authorit* or a >overn%ent #o%pan* as defined in se#tion 21? of the ,o%panies A#t7 1&12 (1 of 1&12) and in#ludes -epart%ents of a >overn%entAH

1') A%on

the a)ove definitions7 .e are %ore #on#erned .ith

the definition of Gesta)lish%entH under 3e#tion !(=) of the A#t7 .hi#h is an e;haustive definition and #overs (i) a #orporation esta)lished )* or under a ,entral7 0rovin#ial or 3tate A#t7 or (ii) an authorit* or a )od* o.ned or #ontrolled or aided )* the >overn%ent or a lo#al authorit*7 or (iii) a >overn%ent #o%pan* as defined in 3e#tion 21? of the ,o%panies A#t7 1&12 and (iv) -epart%ents of a >overn%ent. 11) ,hapter VI of the A#t deals .ith the e%plo*%ent of persons .ith disa)ilities. "he relevant 3e#tions of the said ,hapter are as underF:
532. I61 $i%i2-$i" "% 7"s$s 8.i2. 2- 41 r1s1r&16 %"r 71rs" s 8i$. 6is-4i'i$i1s. 9 Appropriate >overn%ents shall:

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(a)identif* posts7 in the esta)lish%ents7 .hi#h #an )e reserved for the persons .ith disa)ilit*A ())at periodi#al intervals not e;#eedin three *ears7 revie. the list of posts identified and up:date the list ta=in into #onsideration the develop%ents in te#hnolo *. 33. R1s1r&-$i" "% P"s$s 9 5ver* appropriate >overn%ent shall appoint in ever* esta)lish%ent su#h per#enta e of va#an#ies not less than three per #ent for persons or #lass of persons .ith disa)ilit* of .hi#h one per #ent ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin fro%: (i) )lindness or lo. visionA (ii) hearin i%pair%entA (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals*7 in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*F 0rovided that the appropriate >overn%ent %a*7 havin re ard to the t*pe of .or= #arried on in an* depart%ent or esta)lish%ent7 )* notifi#ation su)$e#t to su#h #onditions7 if an*7 as %a* )e spe#ified in su#h notifi#ation7 e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent fro% the provisions of this se#tion. 36. V-2- 2i1s "$ %i''16 #7 $" 41 2-rri16 %"r8-r6.9 /here in an* re#ruit%ent *ear an* va#an#* under se#tion 447 #annot )e filled up due to non:availa)ilit* of a suita)le person .ith disa)ilit* or7 for an* other suffi#ient reason7 su#h va#an#* shall )e #arried for.ard in the su##eedin re#ruit%ent *ear and if in the su##eedin re#ruit%ent *ear also suita)le person .ith disa)ilit* is not availa)le7 it %a* first )e filled )* inter#han e a%on the three #ate ories and onl* .hen there is no person .ith disa)ilit* availa)le for the post in that *ear7 the e%plo*er shall fill up the va#an#* )* appoint%ent of a person7 other than a person .ith disa)ilit*F 0rovided that if the nature of va#an#ies in an esta)lish%ent is su#h that a iven #ate or* of person #annot )e e%plo*ed7 the va#an#ies %a* )e inter#han ed a%on the three #ate ories .ith the prior approval of the appropriate >overn%ent.H

1!) In e;er#ise of the po.ers #onferred )* su):se#tions (1) and (!) of 3e#tion ?4 of the A#t7 the ,entral >overn%ent ena#ted the

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0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) Rules7 1&&2. 14) After ena#t%ent of the a)ove A#t7 in order to #onsolidate the e;istin instru#tions in line .ith the provisions of the A#t7 on

!&.1!.!''17 >overn%ent of India7 -epart%ent of 0ersonnel and "rainin 7 issued #ertain instru#tions )* .a* of an Offi#e

@e%orandu% (O@)7 .ith re ard to the reservation for the persons .ith disa)ilities (ph*si#all* handi#apped persons) in posts and servi#es. "he said Offi#e @e%orandu% spe#ifi#all* states that it shall supersede all previous instru#tions issued on the su)$e#t so far. Respondent No. 1 herein has #o%%ended various #lauses of the O@ dated !&.1!.!''1. "he relevant #lauses of the sa%e are e;tra#ted herein)elo.F
G2. :UANTUM OF RESERVATION (i) "hree per#ent of the va#an#ies7 in #ase of dire#t re#ruit%ent to >roup A7 B7 , and - posts shall )e reserved for persons .ith disa)ilities of .hi#h one per #ent ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin fro% (i) )lindness or lo. vision7 (ii) hearin i%pair%ent and (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals* in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*A (ii) "hree per#ent of the va#an#ies in #ase of pro%otion to >roup -7 and >roup , posts in .hi#h the ele%ent of dire#t re#ruit%ent7 if an*7 does not e;#eed ?1E7 shall )e reserved for persons .ith disa)ilities of .hi#h one per #ent ea#h shall )e

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reserved for persons sufferin fro% (i) )lindness or lo. vision7 (ii) hearin i%pair%ent and (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals* in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*.

3. E;EMPTION FROM RESERVATION3 If an* -epart%entJ@inistr* #onsiders it ne#essar* to e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent partl* or full* fro% the provisions of reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities of .hi#h one per#ent ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin fro% (i) )lindness or lo. vision7 (ii) hearin i%pair%ent and (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals* in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*7 it %a* %a=e a referen#e to the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e and 5%plo*%ent ivin full $ustifi#ation for the proposal. "he rant of e;e%ption shall )e #onsidered )* an Inter:-epart%ental ,o%%ittee set up )* the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e and 5%po.er%ent. +. IDENTIFICATION OF JOBS<POSTS3 "he @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e and 5%po.er%ent have identified the $o)sJposts suita)le to )e held )* persons .ith disa)ilities and the ph*si#al re6uire%ent for all su#h $o)sJposts vide their notifi#ation no. 12:!1J&&.NII dated 41.1.!''1. "he $o)sJposts iven in Anne;ure II of the said notifi#ation as a%ended fro% ti%e to ti%e shall )e used to ive effe#t to 4 per #ent reservation to the persons .ith disa)ilities. It %a*7 ho.ever7 )e noted thatF (a) "he no%en#lature used for an* $o)Jpost shall %ean and in#lude no%en#lature used for other #o%para)le $o)sJposts havin identi#al fun#tions. ()) "he list of $o)sJposts notified )* the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e & 5%po.er%ent is not e;haustive. "he #on#erned @inistriesJ-epart%ents shall have the dis#retion to identif* $o)sJposts in addition to the $o)sJposts alread* identified )* the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e & 5%po.er%ent. +o.ever7 no

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@inistr*J-epart%entJ5sta)lish%ent shall e;#lude an* identified $o)Jpost fro% the purvie. of reservation at its o.n dis#retion. (#) If a $o)Jpost identified for persons .ith disa)ilities is shifted fro% one roup or rade to another roup or rade due to #han e in the pa*:s#ale or other.ise7 the $o)Jpost shall re%ain identified. 13. COMPUTATION OF RESERVATION3 Reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities in #ase of >roup , and >roup - posts shall )e #o%puted on the )asis of total nu%)er of va#an#ies o##urrin in all >roup , or >roup - posts7 as the #ase %a* )e7 in the esta)lish%ent7 althou h the re#ruit%ent of the persons .ith disa)ilities .ould onl* )e in the posts identified suita)le for the%. "he nu%)er of va#an#ies to )e reserved for the persons .ith disa)ilities in #ase of dire#t re#ruit%ent to >roup , posts in an esta)lish%ent shall )e #o%puted )* ta=in into a##ount the total nu%)er of va#an#ies arisin in >roup , posts for )ein filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent in a re#ruit%ent *ear )oth in the identified and non:identified posts under the esta)lish%ent. "he sa%e pro#edure shall appl* for >roup posts. 3i%ilarl*7 all va#an#ies in pro%otion 6uota shall )e ta=en into a##ount .hile #o%putin reservation in pro%otion in >roup , and >roup - posts. 3in#e reservation is li%ited to identified posts onl* and nu%)er of va#an#ies reserved is #o%puted on the )asis of total va#an#ies (in identified posts as .ell as unidentified posts)7 it is possi)le that nu%)er of persons appointed )* reservation in an identified posts %a* e;#eed 4 per#ent. 1B. Reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities in >roup A posts shall )e #o%puted on the )asis of va#an#ies o##urrin in dire#t re#ruit%ent 6uota in all the identified >roup A posts in the esta)lish%ent. "he sa%e %ethod of #o%putation applies for >roup B posts.

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1*. EFFECTIN, ROSTERS3

RESERVATION

MAINTENANCE

OF

(a) all esta)lish%ents shall %aintain separate 1'' point reservation roster re isters in the for%at iven in Anne;ure II for deter%inin Jeffe#tin reservation for the disa)led : one ea#h for >roup A posts filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent7 >roup B posts filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent7 >roup , posts filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent7 >roup , posts filled )* pro%otion7 >roup - posts filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent and >roup - posts filled )* pro%otion. ()) 5a#h re ister shall have #*#les of 1'' points and ea#h #*#le of 1'' points shall )e divided into three )lo#=s7 #o%prisin the follo.in points F 1st Blo#= : point No.1 to point No.44 !nd Blo#= : point No.4B to point No.22 4rd Blo#= : point No.2? to point No.1'' (#) 0oints 17 4B7 and 2? of the roster shall )e ear%ar=ed reserved for persons .ith disa)ilities : one point for ea#h of the three #ate ories of disa)ilities. "he head of the esta)lish%ent shall de#ide the #ate ories of disa)ilities for .hi#h the points 17 4B and 2? .ill )e reserved =eepin in vie. all relevant fa#ts. (d) All the va#an#ies in >roup , posts fallin in dire#t re#ruit%ent 6uota arisin in the esta)lish%ent shall )e entered in the relevant roster re ister. If the post fallin at point No.1 is not identified for the disa)led or the head of the esta)lish%ent #onsiders it desira)le not to fill up )* a disa)led person or it is not possi)le to fill up that post )* the disa)led for an* other person7 one of the va#an#ies fallin at an* of the points fro% ! to 44 shall )e treated as reserved for the disa)led and filled as su#h. Li=e.ise a va#an#* fallin at an* of the points fro% 4B to 22 or fro% 2? to 1'' shall )e filled )* the disa)led. "he purpose of =eepin points 17 4B and 2? as reserved is to fill up the first availa)le suita)le va#an#* fro% 1 to 447 first availa)le suita)le

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va#an#* fro% 4B to 22 and first availa)le suita)le va#an#* fro% 2? to 1'' persons .ith disa)ilities. (e) "here is a possi)ilit* that none of the va#an#ies fro% 1 to 44 is suita)le for an* #ate or* of the disa)led. In that #ase t.o va#an#ies fro% 4B to 22 shall )e filled as reserved for persons .ith disa)ilities. If the va#an#ies fro% 4B to 22 are also not suita)le for an* #ate or*7 three va#an#ies shall )e filled as reserved fro% the third )lo#= #ontainin points fro% 2? to 1''. "his %eans that if no va#an#* #an )e reserved in a parti#ular )lo#=7 it shall )e #arried into the ne;t )lo#=. (f) After all the 1'' points of the roster are #overed7 a fresh #*#le of 1'' points shall start. ( ) If the nu%)er of va#an#ies in a *ear is su#h as to #over onl* one )lo#= or t.o7 dis#retion as to .hi#h #ate or* of the disa)led should )e a##o%%odated first shall vest in the head of the esta)lish%ent7 .ho shall de#ide on the )asis of the nature of the post7 the level of representation of the spe#ifi# disa)led #ate or* in the #on#erned radeJpost et#. (h) A separate roster shall )e %aintained for >roup , posts filled )* pro%otion and pro#edure as e;plained a)ove shall )e follo.ed for ivin reservation to persons .ith disa)ilities. Li=e.ise t.o separate rosters shall )e %aintained for >roup posts7 one for the posts filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent and another for posts filled )* pro%otion. (i) Reservation in >roup A and >roup B posts is deter%ined on the )asis of va#an#ies in the identified posts onl*. 3eparate rosters for >roup A posts and >roup B posts in the esta)lish%ent shall )e %aintained. In the rosters %aintained for >roup A and >roup B posts7 all va#an#ies of dire#t re#ruit%ent arisin in identified posts shall )e entered and reservation shall )e effe#ted the sa%e .a* as e;plained a)ove. 16. INTER SE E;CHAN,E AND CARR= FOR>ARD OF RESERVATION IN CASE OF DIRECT RECRUITMENT 14
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(a) Reservation for ea#h of the three #ate ories of persons .ith disa)ilities shall )e %ade separatel*. But if the nature of va#an#ies in an esta)lish%ent is su#h that a person of a spe#ifi# #ate or* of disa)ilit* #annot )e e%plo*ed7 the va#an#ies %a* )e inter#han ed a%on the three #ate ories .ith the approval of the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e and 5%po.er%ent and reservation %a* )e deter%ined and va#an#ies filled a##ordin l*. ()) If an* va#an#* reserved for an* #ate or* of disa)ilit* #annot )e filled due to non:availa)ilit* of a suita)le person .ith that disa)ilit* or7 for an* other suffi#ient reason7 su#h va#an#* shall not )e filled and shall )e #arried for.ard as a K)a#=lo reserved va#an#*K to the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear. (#) In the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear the )a#=lo reserved va#an#* shall )e treated as reserved for the #ate or* of disa)ilit* for .hi#h it .as =ept reserved in the initial *ear of re#ruit%ent. +o.ever7 if a suita)le person .ith that disa)ilit* is not availa)le7 it %a* )e filled )* inter#han e a%on the three #ate ories of disa)ilities. In #ase no suita)le person .ith disa)ilit* is availa)le for fillin up the post in the su)se6uent *ear also7 the e%plo*er %a* fill up the va#an#* )* appoint%ent of a person other than a person .ith disa)ilit*. If the va#an#* is filled )* a person .ith disa)ilit* of the #ate or* for .hi#h it .as reserved or )* a person of other #ate or* of disa)ilit* )* inter se e;#han e in the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear7 it .ill )e treated to have )een filled )* reservation. But if the va#an#* is filled )* a person other than a person .ith disa)ilit* in the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear7 reservation shall )e #arried for.ard for a further period upto t.o re#ruit%ent *ears .hereafter the reservation shall lapse. In these t.o su)se6uent *ears7 if situation so arises7 the pro#edure for fillin up the reserved va#an#* shall )e the sa%e as follo.ed in the first su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear. 19. HORI?ONTALIT= OF RESERVATION FOR PERSONS >ITH DISABILITIES3

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Reservation for )a#=.ard #lasses of #iti<ens (3,s7 3"s and OB,s) is #alled verti#al reservation and the reservation for #ate ories su#h as persons .ith disa)ilities and e;: servi#e%en is #alled hori<ontal reservation. +ori<ontal reservation #uts a#ross verti#al reservation (in .hat is #alled interlo#=in reservation) and person sele#ted a ainst the 6uota for persons .ith disa)ilities have to )e pla#ed in the appropriate #ate or* vi<. 3,J3"JOB,J>eneral #andidates dependin upon the #ate or* to .hi#h the* )elon in the roster %eant for reservation of 3,sJ3"sJOB,s. "o illustrate7 if in a iven *ear there are t.o va#an#ies reserved for the persons .ith disa)ilities and out of t.o persons .ith disa)ilities appointed7 one )elon s to a 3#heduled ,aste and the other to eneral #ate or* then the disa)led 3, #andidate shall )e ad$usted a ainst the 3, point in the reservation roster and the eneral #andidate a ainst unreserved point in the relevant reservation roster. In #ase none of the va#an#ies falls on point reserved for the 3,s7 the disa)led #andidate )elon in to 3, shall )e ad$usted in future a ainst the ne;t availa)le va#an#* reserved for 3,s. !'. 3in#e the persons .ith disa)ilities have to )e pla#ed in the appropriate #ate or* vi<. 3,J3"JOB,J >eneral in the roster %eant for reservation of 3,sJ3"sJOB,s7 the appli#ation for% for the post should re6uire the #andidates appl*in under the 6uota reserved for persons .ith disa)ilities to indi#ate .hether the* )elon to 3,J3"JOB, or >eneral #ate or*.H

1B) ,lauses !1 and !! of the said O@ ena)le the >overn%ent for rela;ation in a e li%it as .ell as standard of suita)ilit*. 11) After the O@ dated !&.1!.!''17 )ased on the

representations %ade )* Respondent No. 1 herein7 another O@

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dated !2.'B.!''2 #a%e to )e issued.

"he details and the

dire#tions #ontained in the said O@ are as follo.sF

G-ated the !2th April7 !''2 OFFI,5 @5@ORAN-U@ 3u)F Reservation for the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities "he undersi ned is dire#ted to sa* that the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) A#t7 1&&1 .hi#h #a%e into e;isten#e on '1.'1.1&&2 provides for reservation for persons .ith disa)ilit* in the posts identified for three #ate ories of disa)ilities na%el* (i) )lindness or lo. vision7 (ii) hearin i%pair%ent and (iii) lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals*. Instru#tions have also )een issued )* this -epart%ent for providin reservation for su#h persons. In spite of the A#t and the instru#tions of this -epart%ent7 va#an#ies .ere not ear%ar=ed reserved or .ere not filled )* reservation in so%e esta)lish%ents. !. "he %atter has )een #onsidered #arefull* and it has )een de#ided that reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities should )e i%ple%ented in ri ht earnest and there should )e no deviation fro% the s#he%e of reservation7 parti#ularl* after the A#t #a%e into effe#t. In order to a#hieve this o)$e#tive7 all the esta)lish%ents should prepare the reservation roster re isters as provided in this -epart%entKs O.@. No. 42'41J4J!''B:5stt (Res) dated !&.1!.!''1 startin fro% the *ear 1&&2 and reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities )e ear%ar=ed as per instru#tions #ontained in that O@. If so%e or all the va#an#ies so ear%ar=ed had not )een filled )* reservation and .ere filled )* a)le )odied persons either for the reason that points of reservation had not )een ear%ar=ed properl* at the appropriate ti%e or persons .ith disa)ilities did not )e#o%e availa)le7 su#h unutili<ed reservation %a* )e treated as havin )een #arried for.ard to the first re#ruit%ent *ear o##urrin after issue of this O.@. and )e filled as su#h. If it is not possi)le to fill up su#h reserved va#an#ies durin the said re#ruit%ent *ear7 reservation .ould )e #arried for.ard for further t.o *ears7 .hereafter it %a* )e treated as lapsed. 4. It has )een o)served that so%e re#ruitin a en#ies de#lare in their advertise%ents that )lindJpartiall* )lind #andidates need not appl* and that separate e;a%inations .ould )e #ondu#ted for visuall* handi#apped #andidates. Attention is invited to para

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? of this -epart%entKs O.@. No. 42'41J4J!''B:5stt (Res) dated !&.1!.!''1 .hi#h provides that persons .ith disa)ilities sele#ted on their o.n %erit .ill not )e ad$usted a ainst the reserved share of va#an#ies. It %eans that persons .ith disa)ilities .ho are sele#ted on their o.n %erit have to )e ad$usted a ainst the unreserved va#an#ies and reservation has to )e iven in addition. If visuall* handi#apped #andidates or an* other #ate or* of handi#apped #andidates are de)arred fro% appl*in on the round that a separate e;a%ination .ould )e #ondu#ted for the%7 #han#es of handi#apped #andidates )ein sele#ted on their o.n %erit .ould )e eli%inated. "hus7 de)arrin of an* #ate or* of handi#apped #andidates in the a)ove %anner is a ainst the provisions #ontained in the aforesaid O.@. It is7 therefore7 re6uested that persons .ith disa)ilities should not )e de)arred fro% appl*in for the posts identified suita)le for the% and should )e provided opportunit* to #o%pete for the unreserved va#an#ies as .ell )* holdin a #o%%on e;a%ination. B. ,ontents of this O.@. %a* )e )rou ht to the noti#e of all #on#erned. 3dJ: (D.>.Ver%a) -eput* 3e#retar* to the >ovt. of IndiaH

12) Another O@ dated 1'.1!.!''(7 issued )* the -epart%ent of 0ersonnel and "rainin 7 .as also )rou ht to our noti#e

.hereunder

a 3pe#ial Re#ruit%ent -rive to fill up the )a#=lo

reserved va#an#ies for the persons .ith disa)ilities .as initiated. "he said O@ %ainl* spea=s a)out fillin va#an#iesH. herein)elo.F
G-ated the 1'th -e#e%)er7 !''( OFFI,5 @5@ORAN-U@

up of G)a#=lo

reserved

Relevant portion of the said O@ is e;tra#ted

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3u)F 3pe#ial Re#ruit%ent -rive to fill up the )a#=lo va#an#ies for 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities

reserved

"he undersi ned is dire#ted to sa* that this -epart%entKs O.@. No. 42'41J4J!''B:5stt(Res) dated !&.1!.!''1 provides that if an* va#an#* reserved for an* #ate or* of disa)ilit* #annot )e filled due to non:availa)ilit* of a suita)le person .ith that disa)ilit* or for an* other suffi#ient reason7 su#h va#an#* is not filled and is #arried for.ard as a K)a#=lo reserved va#an#*K to the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear. In the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear7 the K)a#=lo reserved va#an#*K is treated as reserved for the #ate or* of disa)ilit* for .hi#h it .as =ept reserved in the initial *ear of re#ruit%ent and filled as su#h. +o.ever7 if a suita)le person .ith that disa)ilit* is not availa)le in the su)se6uent re#ruit%ent also7 it %a* )e filled )* inter#han e a%on the three #ate ories of disa)ilities7 failin .hi#h )* appoint%ent of a person other than a person .ith disa)ilit*. It %a*7 thus7 )e seen that if a va#an#* is ear%ar=ed reserved for an* #ate or* of disa)ilit* and a suita)le person .ith that disa)ilit* is not availa)le to fill it up in the initial *ear of re#ruit%ent7 it )e#o%es a K)a#=lo reserved va#an#*K for first su)se6uent re#ruit%ent *ear. !. As per instru#tions e;istin prior to issue of O.@. dated !&.1!.!''17 if in an* *ear7 suita)le ph*si#all* handi#apped #andidates .ere not availa)le to fill up a reserved va#an#*7 the va#an#* .as filled )* an other #ate or* #andidate and reservation .as #arried for.ard for a period of upto three re#ruit%ent *ears. In the event of non:availa)ilit* of suita)le persons .ith disa)ilities7 the reserved va#an#ies .ere not =ept unfilled. "hus there .as no provision of )a#=lo reserved va#an#ies of persons .ith disa)ilities prior to !&.1!.!''1. Nevertheless7 it is possi)le that so%e @inistriesJ-epart%entsJ esta)lish%ents %i ht have =ept so%e va#an#ies ear%ar=ed reserved for the persons .ith disa)ilit* unfilled due to non: availa)ilit* of persons .ith disa)ilit*. If there e;ist su#h va#an#ies7 these .ill )e treated as )a#=lo reserved va#an#ies for the #urrent re#ruit%ent *earH

1?) B* issuin "rainin

su#h dire#tions7 the -epart%ent of 0ersonnel and

dire#ted all the @inistriesJ-epart%ents to laun#h a

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3pe#ial Re#ruit%ent -rive and fi;ed tar et dates for fulfillin various sta es. Dis2#ssi" 3 1() In the li ht of the a)ove statutor* provisions as .ell as various #lauses of the O@ dated !&.1!.!''17 let us anal*<e .hether the +i h ,ourt .as $ustified in passin $ud %ent. 1&) Before advertin to the rival #ontentions su)%itted )* the the i%pu ned

appellants and the respondents7 it is relevant to #o%prehend the )a#= round and the o)$e#tive of the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) A#t7 1&&1. !') India as a .elfare 3tate is #o%%itted to pro%ote overall develop%ent of its #iti<ens in#ludin those .ho are differentl*

a)led in order to ena)le the% to lead a life of di nit*7 e6ualit*7 freedo% and $usti#e as %andated )* the ,onstitution of India. "he roots of statutor* provisions for ensurin e6ualit* and e6uali<ation of opportunities to the differentl* a)led #iti<ens in our #ountr* #ould )e tra#ed in 0art III and 0art IV of the ,onstitution. For the persons .ith disa)ilities7 the #han in .orld offers %ore ne.

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opportunities o.in

to te#hnolo i#al advan#e%ent7 ho.ever7 the

a#tual li%itation surfa#es onl* .hen the* are not provided .ith e6ual opportunities. "herefore7 )rin in the% in the so#iet* )ased on their #apa)ilities is the need of the hour. !1) Althou h7 the -isa)ilit* Ri hts @ove%ent in India

#o%%en#ed .a* )a#= in 1&??7 of .hi#h Respondent No. 1 herein .as an a#tive parti#ipant7 it a#6uired the re6uisite san#tion onl* at the laun#h of the Asian and 0a#ifi# -e#ade of -isa)led 0ersons in 1&&4:!''!7 .hi#h ave a definite )oost to the %ove%ent. "he

%ain need that e%er ed fro% the %eet .as for a #o%prehensive le islation to prote#t the ri hts of persons .ith disa)ilities. In this li ht7 the #ru#ial le islation .as ena#ted in 1&&1 vi<.7 the 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities (56ual Opportunities7 0rote#tion of Ri hts and Full 0arti#ipation) A#t7 1&&1 .hi#h e%po.ers persons .ith disa)ilities and ensures prote#tion of their ri hts. "he A#t7 in addition to its other prospe#ts7 also see=s for )etter e%plo*%ent opportunities to persons .ith disa)ilities )* .a* of reservation of posts and esta)lish%ent of a 3pe#ial 5%plo*%ent 5;#han e for the%. !!) For the sa%e7 3e#tion 4! of the A#t stipulates for

identifi#ation of posts .hi#h #an )e reserved for persons .ith

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disa)ilities.

3e#tion 44 provides for reservation of posts and

3e#tion 42 thereof provides that in #ase a va#an#* is not filled up due to non:availa)ilit* of a suita)le person .ith disa)ilit*7 in an* re#ruit%ent *ear su#h su##eedin va#an#* is to )e #arried for.ard in the

re#ruit%ent *ear. "he differen#e of opinion )et.een

the appellants and the respondents arises on the point of interpretation of these se#tions. !4) It is the stand of the Union of India that the A#t provides for onl* 4E reservation in the va#an#ies in the posts identified for the disa)led persons and not on the total #adre stren th of the esta)lish%ent .hereas @r. 3.D. Run ta7 learned senior #ounsel (R:1) appearin in person su)%itted that a##eptin the

interpretation proposed )* the Union of India .ill flout the poli#* of reservation en#o%passed under 3e#tion 44 of the A#t. +e further su)%itted that the +i h ,ourt has ri htl* held that the reservation of 4E for differentl* a)led persons in #onfor%it* .ith the A#t should have to )e #o%puted on the )asis of the total stren th of a #adre and not $ust on the )asis of the va#an#ies availa)le in the posts that are identified for differentl* a)led persons7 there)* de#larin #ertain #lauses of the O@ dated

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!&.1!.!''1 as una##epta)le and #ontrar* to the %andate of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t. !B) ".o aspe#ts of the i%pu ned $ud %ent have )een #hallen ed )efore this ,ourtF: (a) "he %anner of #o%putin 4E reservation for the persons

.ith the disa)ilities as per 3e#tion 44 of the A#t.

())

/hether post )ased reservation %ust )e adhered to or va#an#* )ased reservation.

!1) No. let us #onsider the reasonin su)%issions %ade )* the parties.

of the +i h ,ourt and the

!2) 0ri%aril*7 .e .ould li=e to #larif* that there is a sea of differen#e in #o%putin reservation on the )asis of total #adre

stren th and on the )asis of total va#an#ies ()oth in#lusive of identified and unidentified) in the #adre stren th. At the outset7 a referen#e to the i%pu ned O@ dated !&.1!.!''1 .ould7 in une6uivo#al ter%s7 esta)lish that the %atter in dispute in the iven #ase is .hether the latter %ethod of #o%putation of reservation .ill unifor%l* appl* to the posts in >roup A7 B7 , and 23
Page 23

or .ill it )e appli#a)le onl* to >roup , and -. "he 6uestion pertainin to #o%putation of reservation on the )asis of total iven #ir#u%stan#e of

#adre stren th does not even arise in the

the #ase. +o.ever7 the +i h ,ourt7 in the i%pu ned $ud %ent7 .ent on to uphold the vie. that the #o%putation of reservation %ust )e on the )asis of total #adre stren th .hi#h is #learl* erroneous on the fa#e of it. Inadvertentl*7 the respondents herein have also adopted the sa%e line of ar u%ent in their oral and .ritten su)%issions. As a result7 the point for #onsideration )efore this ,ourt is .hether the %odus of #o%putation of reservation on the )asis of total nu%)er of va#an#ies ()oth in#lusive of identified and unidentified) in the #adre stren th .ill unifor%l* appl* to >roup A7 B7 , and - or .ill it )e appli#a)le onl* to >roup , and -.

!?) It is the stand of the Union of India that for vivid understandin of the reservation poli#* laid do.n under 3e#tion

44 of the A#t7 it is essential to read to ether 3e#tions 4! and 44 of the A#t. It .as also su)%itted that a #on$oint readin of the a)ove referred se#tions7 %andates onl* reservation of va#an#ies in the identified posts and not in all the posts or a ainst the total

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nu%)er of va#an#ies in the #adre stren th. +o.ever7 it .as also ad%itted that the #o%putation of reservation is )ein done in

respe#t of >roup , and - posts on the )asis of total nu%)er of va#an#ies ()oth in#lusive of identified and unidentified) in the #adre stren th sin#e 1&??. In fa#t7 the a)ovesaid #ontention has )een raised in Govt. of India through Secretary and Anr. vs. Ravi Prakash Gupta & Anr. (!'1') ? 3,, 2!2 and7 therefore7 it is no lon er res integra.

!() "he 6uestion for deter%ination raised in this #ase is .hether the reservation provided for the disa)led persons under 3e#tion 44 of the A#t is dependent upon the identifi#ation of posts as stipulated )* 3e#tion 4!. In the afore%entioned #ase7 the >overn%ent of India sou ht to #ontend that sin#e the* have #ondu#ted the e;er#ise of identifi#ation of posts in #ivil servi#es in ter%s of 3e#tion 4! onl* in the *ear !''17 the reservation has to )e #o%puted and applied onl* .ith referen#e to the va#an#ies filled up fro% !''1 on.ards and not fro% 1&&2 .hen the A#t #a%e into for#e. "his ,ourt7 after e;a%inin the inter:dependen#e

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of 3e#tions 4! and 44 vi<.7 identifi#ation of posts and the s#he%e of reservation7 re$e#ted this #ontention and held as follo.sF:

G!1. L.."he su)%ission %ade on )ehalf of the Union of India re ardin the i%ple%entation of the provisions of 3e#tion 44 of the -isa)ilities A#t7 1&&17 onl* after identifi#ation of posts suita)le for su#h appoint%ent7 under 3e#tion 4! thereof7 runs #ounter to the le islative intent .ith .hi#h the A#t .as ena#ted. "o a##ept su#h a su)%ission .ould a%ount to a##eptin a situation .here the provisions of 3e#tion 44 of the aforesaid A#t #ould )e =ept deferred indefinitel* )* )ureau#rati# ina#tion. 3u#h a stand ta=en )* the petitioners )efore the +i h ,ourt .as ri htl* re$e#ted. A##ordin l*7 the su)%ission %ade on )ehalf of the Union of India that identifi#ation of >rade MAK and MBK posts in the I.A.3. .as underta=en after the *ear !''1 is not of %u#h su)stan#e. !2. As has )een pointed out )* the +i h ,ourt7 neither 3e#tion 4! nor 3e#tion 44 of the aforesaid A#t %a=es an* distin#tion .ith re ard to >roups A7 B7 , and - posts. "he* onl* spea= of identifi#ation and reservation of posts for people .ith disa)ilities7 thou h the proviso to 3e#tion 44 does e%po.er the appropriate >overn%ent to e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent fro% the provisions of the said 3e#tion7 havin re ard to the t*pe of .or= #arried on in an* depart%ent or esta)lish%ent. No su#h e;e%ption has )een pleaded or )rou ht to our noti#e on )ehalf of the petitioners. !?. It is onl* lo i#al that7 as provided in 3e#tion 4! of the aforesaid A#t7 posts have to )e identified for reservation for the purposes of 3e#tion 447 )ut su#h identifi#ation .as %eant to )e si%ultaneousl* underta=en .ith the #o%in into operation of the A#t7 to ive effe#t to the provisions of 3e#tion 44. "he le islature never intended the provisions of 3e#tion 4! of the A#t to )e used as a tool to den* the )enefits of 3e#tion 44 to these #ate ories of disa)led persons indi#ated therein. 3u#h a su)%ission stri=es at the foundation of the provisions relatin to the dut* #ast upon the appropriate >overn%ent to %a=e appoint%ents in ever* esta)lish%ent.

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!&. /hile it #annot )e denied that unless posts are identified for the purposes of 3e#tion 44 of the aforesaid A#t7 no appoint%ents fro% the reserved #ate ories #ontained therein #an )e %ade7 and that to su#h e;tent the provisions of 3e#tion 44 are dependent on 3e#tion 4! of the A#t7 as su)%itted )* the learned A3>7 )ut the e;tent of su#h dependen#e .ould )e for the purpose of %a=in appoint%ents and not for the purpose of %a=in reservation. In other .ords7 reservation under 3e#tion 44 of the A#t is not dependent on identifi#ation7 as ur ed on )ehalf of the Union of India7 thou h a dut* has )een #ast upon the appropriate >overn%ent to %a=e appoint%ents in the nu%)er of posts reserved for the three #ate ories %entioned in 3e#tion 44 of the A#t in respe#t of persons sufferin fro% the disa)ilities spelt out therein. In fa#t7 a situation has also )een noti#ed .here on a##ount of non:availa)ilit* of #andidates so%e of the reserved posts #ould re%ain va#ant in a iven *ear. For %eetin su#h eventualities7 provision .as %ade to #arr* for.ard su#h va#an#ies for t.o *ears after .hi#h the* .ould lapse. 3in#e in the instant #ase su#h a situation did not arise and posts .ere not reserved under 3e#tion 44 of the -isa)ilities A#t7 1&&17 the 6uestion of #arr*in for.ard of va#an#ies or lapse thereof7 does not arise. 41. /e7 therefore7 see no reason to interfere .ith the $ud %ent of the +i h ,ourt i%pu ned in the 3pe#ial Leave 0etition .hi#h is7 a##ordin l*7 dis%issed .ith #osts. All interi% orders are va#ated. "he petitioners are iven ei ht .ee=sK ti%e fro% toda* to ive effe#t to the dire#tions of the +i h ,ourt.H

!&) In the li ht of the a)ove pronoun#e%ent7 it is #lear that the s#ope of identifi#ation #o%es into pi#ture onl* at the ti%e of appoint%ent of a person in the post identified for disa)led persons and is not ne#essaril* relevant at the ti%e of #o%putin 4E

reservation under 3e#tion 44 of the A#t. In su##in#t7 it .as held in Ravi Prakash Gupta (supra) that 3e#tion 4! of the A#t is not a pre#ondition for #o%putation of reservation of 4E under 3e#tion

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44 of the A#t rather 3e#tion 4! is the follo.in 44.

effe#t of 3e#tion

4') Apart fro% the reasonin Gupta (supra), even a readin

of this ,ourt in Ravi Prakash of 3e#tion 447 at the outset7

esta)lishes vividl* the intention of the le islature vi<.7 reservation of 4E for differentl* a)led persons should have to )e #o%puted on the )asis of total va#an#ies in the stren th of a #adre and not $ust on the )asis of the va#an#ies availa)le in the identified posts. "here is no a%)i uit* in the lan ua e of 3e#tion 44 and fro% the #onstru#tion of the said statutor* provision onl* one %eanin possi)le. is

41) A perusal of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t reveals that this se#tion has )een divided into three parts. "he first part is Gever* appropriate >overn%ent shall appoint in ever* esta)lish%ent su#h per#enta e of va#an#ies not less than 4E for persons or #lass of persons .ith disa)ilit*.H It is evident fro% this part that it %andates ever* appropriate >overn%ent shall appoint a

%ini%u% of 4E va#an#ies in its esta)lish%ents for persons .ith disa)ilities. In this li ht7 the #ontention of the Union of India that
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reservation in ter%s of 3e#tion 44 has to )e #o%puted a ainst identified posts onl* is not tena)le )* an* %ethod of

interpretation of this part of the 3e#tion.

4!) "he se#ond part of this se#tion starts as follo.sF GLof .hi#h one per#ent ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin )lindness or lo. vision7 hearin fro%

i%pair%ent & lo#o%otor disa)ilit*

or #ere)ral pals* in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*.H Fro% the a)ove7 it is #lear that it deals .ith distri)ution of 4E posts in ever* esta)lish%ent a%on 4 #ate ories of disa)ilities. It starts

fro% the .ord Gof .hi#hH. "he .ord Gof .hi#hH has to relate to appointin not less than 4E va#an#ies in an esta)lish%ent and7 in an* .a*7 it does not refer to the identified posts. In fa#t7 the #ontention of the Union of India is sou ht to )e $ustified )* )rin in the last portion of the se#ond part of the se#tion vi<.

GL.identified postsH in this ver* first part .hi#h deals .ith the statutor* o)li ation i%posed upon the appropriate >overn%ent to Gappoint not less than 4E va#an#ies for the persons or #lass of persons .ith disa)ilities.H In our #onsidered vie.7 it is not plausi)le in the li ht of esta)lished rules of interpretation. "he

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%ini%u% level of representation of persons .ith disa)ilities has )een provided in this ver* first part and the se#ond part deals .ith the distri)ution of this 4E a%on the three #ate ories of

disa)ilities. Further7 in the last portion of the se#ond part the .ords used are Gin the identified posts for ea#h disa)ilit*H and not Gof identified postsH. "his #an onl* %ean that out of %ini%u% 4E of va#an#ies of posts in the esta)lish%ents 1E ea#h has to )e iven to ea#h of the 4 #ate ories of disa)ilit* vi<.7 )lind and lo. vision7 hearin i%paired and lo#o%otor disa)led or #ere)ral pals*

separatel* and the nu%)er of appoint%ents e6uivalent to the 1E for ea#h disa)ilit* out of total 4E has to )e %ade a ainst the va#an#ies in the identified posts. "he atte%pt to read identified posts in the first part itself and also to read the sa%e to have an* relation .ith the #o%putation of reservation is #o%pletel* %is#on#eived.

44) "he third part of the 3e#tion is the proviso .hi#h reads thusF G0rovided that the appropriate >overn%ent %a*7 havin re ard to the t*pe of .or= #arried on in an* depart%ent or esta)lish%ent7 )* notifi#ation su)$e#t to su#h #onditions7 if an*7 as %a* )e

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spe#ified in su#h notifi#ation7 e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent fro% the provisions of this se#tion.H "he proviso also $ustifies the a)ove said interpretation that the #o%putation of reservation has to )e a ainst the total nu%)er va#an#ies in the #adre stren th and not a ainst the identified posts. +ad the le islature intended to %andate for #o%putation of reservation a ainst the identified posts onl*7 there .as no need for insertin the proviso to 3e#tion

.hi#h e%po.ers the appropriate >overn%ent to e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent either partl* or full* fro% the purvie. of the 3e#tion su)$e#t to su#h #onditions #ontained in the notifi#ation to )e issued in the Offi#ial >a<ette in this )ehalf. ,ertainl*7 the le islature did not intend to ive su#h ar)itrar* po.er for

e;e%ption fro% reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities to )e e;er#ised )* the appropriate >overn%ent .hen the #o%putation is intended to )e %ade a ainst the identified posts.

4B) In this re ard7 another provision of the said A#t also supports this interpretation. 3e#tion B1 of the said A#t %andates the appropriate >overn%ent to fra%e in#entive s#he%es for

e%plo*ers .ith a vie. to ensure that 1E of their .or= for#e is

31
Page 31

#o%posed of persons .ith disa)ilities. "he said se#tion is reprodu#ed herein)elo.F

G+1. I 21 $i&1s $" 1/7'"@1rs $" 1 s#r1 %i&1 71r 21 $ "% $.1 8"rA %"r21 is 2"/7"s16 "% 71rs" s 8i$. 6is-4i'i$i1s. : "he appropriate >overn%ent and the lo#al authorities shall7 .ithin li%its to their e#ono%i# #apa#it* and develop%ent7 provide in#entives to e%plo*ers )oth in pu)li# and private se#tors to ensure that at least five per#ent of their .or= for#e is #o%posed of persons .ith disa)ilities.H

"hus7 on a #on$oint readin

of 3e#tions 44 and B17 it is #lear that

.hile 3e#tion 44 provides for a %ini%u% level of representation of 4E in the esta)lish%ents of appropriate >overn%ent7 the le islature intended to ensure 1E of representation in the entire .or= for#e )oth in pu)li# as .ell as private se#tor.

41) @oreover7 the intention of the le islature .hile fra%in

the

A#t #an also )e inferred fro% the -raft Ri hts of 0ersons .ith -isa)ilities Bill7 !'1!7 .hi#h is pendin in the 0arlia%ent for

approval. In ,hapter 2 of the Bill7 vi<.7 3pe#ial 0rovisions for 0ersons .ith Ben#h%ar= -isa)ilities7 si%ilar se#tions li=e 3e#tions 4! & 44 in the A#t have )een in#orporated under 3e#tions 4( and 4& .hi#h are as underF:
5S12$i" 3B. I61 $i%i2-$i" "% P"s$s 8.i2. 241 32
Page 32

R1s1r&16 %"r P1rs" s 8i$. B1 2./-rA Dis-4i'i$i1s3 Appropriate >overn%ents shall N (a) identif* posts in esta)lish%ents under the% .hi#h #an )e reserved for persons .ith )en#h%ar= disa)ilit* as %entioned in se#tion 4&A ()) at periodi#al intervals not e;#eedin three *ears7 revie. and revise the list of identified posts7 ta=in into #onsideration develop%ents in te#hnolo *. S12$i" 39. R1s1r&-$i" B1 2./-rA Dis-4i'i$i1s39 "% P"s$s %"r P1rs" s 8i$.

(1) 5ver* appropriate >overn%ent shall reserve7 in ever* esta)lish%ent under the%7 not less than 1E of the va#an#ies %eant to )e filled )* dire#t re#ruit%ent7 for persons or #lass of persons .ith )en#h%ar= disa)ilit*7 of .hi#h 1E ea#h shall )e of all posts reserved for persons .ith follo.in disa)ilitiesF: i) ii) iii) iv) v) )lindness & lo. vision (.ith reservation of '.1E of the va#an#ies for ea#h of the t.o disa)ilities). hearin i%pair%ent & spee#h i%pair%ent. lo#o%otor disa)ilit* in#ludin and %us#ular d*stroph*. #ere)ral pals*7 lepros* #ured

autis%7 intelle#tual disa)ilit* and %ental illness %ultiple disa)ilities fro% a%on deaf )lindness i to iv a)ove in#ludin

0rovided that the appropriate >overn%ent %a*7 havin re ard to the t*pe of .or= #arried on in an* depart%ent or esta)lish%ent7 )* notifi#ation su)$e#t to su#h #onditions7 if an*7 as %a* )e spe#ified in su#h notifi#ation7 e;e%pt an* esta)lish%ent fro% the provisions of this se#tion. (!) If suffi#ient nu%)er of 6ualified persons .ith )en#h%ar= disa)ilities are not availa)le in a parti#ular *ear7 then the reservation %a* )e #arried for.ard for upto the ne;t three re#ruit%ent *ears7 and if in su#h su##eedin re#ruit%ent *ears also a suita)le person .ith )en#h%ar= disa)ilit* is not availa)le7 then the post in the fourth *ear %a* )e first filled )* inter#han e a%on the #ate ories of disa)ilitiesA and onl* .hen there is no person .ith an* )en#h%ar= disa)ilit* availa)le for the post in that *ear7 the va#an#* %a* )e filled )* appoint%ent

33
Page 33

of a person7 other than a person .ith )en#h%ar= disa)ilit*.H

A perusal of 3e#tions 4( and 4& of the Bill #larifies all the a%)i uities raised in this appeal. "he intention of the le islature is #learl* to reserve in ever* esta)lish%ent under the appropriate >overn%ent7 not less than 4E of the va#an#ies for the persons or #lass of persons .ith disa)ilit*7 of .hi#h 1E ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin fro% )lindness or lo. vision7 hearin

i%pair%ent and lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals* in the posts identified for ea#h disa)ilit*.

42) Ad%ittedl*7 the A#t is a so#ial le islation ena#ted for the )enefit of persons .ith disa)ilities and its provisions %ust )e interpreted in order to fulfill its o)$e#tive. Besides7 it is a settled rule of interpretation that if the lan ua e of a statutor* provision is una%)i uous7 it has to )e interpreted a##ordin %eanin to the plain

of the said statutor* provision. In the present #ase7 the of 3e#tion 44 is that ever*

plain and una%)i uous %eanin

appropriate >overn%ent has to appoint a %ini%u% of 4E va#an#ies in an esta)lish%ent out of .hi#h 1E ea#h shall )e reserved for persons sufferin fro% )lindness and lo. vision7

34
Page 34

persons sufferin

fro% hearin

i%pair%ent and persons sufferin

fro% lo#o%otor or #ere)ral pals*.

4?) "o illustrate7 if there are 1'' va#an#ies of 1'' posts in an esta)lish%ent7 the #on#erned esta)lish%ent .ill have to reserve a %ini%u% of 4E for persons .ith disa)ilities out of .hi#h at least 1E has to )e reserved separatel* for ea#h of the follo.in disa)ilitiesF persons sufferin fro% )lindness or lo. vision7 persons sufferin fro% hearin i%pair%ent and the persons sufferin fro% lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals*. Appoint%ent of 1 )lind person a ainst 1 va#an#* reserved for hi%Jher .ill )e %ade a ainst a va#an#* in an identified post for instan#e7 the post of peon7 .hi#h is identified for hi% in roup -. 3i%ilarl*7 one hearin i%paired .ill )e appointed a ainst one reserved va#an#* for that #ate or* in the post of store attendant in one person sufferin roup - post. Li=e.ise7

fro% lo#o%otor disa)ilit* or #ere)ral pals* roup - post

.ill )e appointed a ainst the post of GFarashH

identified for that #ate or* of disa)ilit*. It .as ar ued on )ehalf of Union of India .ith referen#e to the post of driver that sin#e the said post is not suita)le to )e %anned )* a person sufferin fro%

35
Page 35

)lindness7 the a)ove interpretation of the 3e#tion .ould )e a ainst the ad%inistrative e;i en#ies. 3u#h an ar u%ent is .holl* %is#on#eived. A iven post %a* not )e identified as suita)le for

one #ate or* of disa)ilit*7 the sa%e #ould )e identified as suita)le for another #ate or* or #ate ories of disa)ilit* entitled to the )enefit of reservation. In fa#t7 the se#ond part of the 3e#tion has #larified this situation )* providin that the nu%)er of va#an#ies

e6uivalent to 1E for ea#h of the afore%entioned three #ate ories .ill )e filled up )* the respe#tive #ate or* )* usin va#an#ies in

identified posts for ea#h of the% for the purposes of appoint%ent.

4() It has also )een su)%itted on )ehalf of the appellants herein that sin#e reservation of persons .ith disa)ilities in >roup , and has )een in for#e prior to the ena#t%ent and is )ein %ade

a ainst the total nu%)er of va#an#ies in the #adre stren th a##ordin to the O@ dated !&.1!.!''1 )ut the a#tual i%port of

3e#tion 44 is that it has to )e #o%puted a ainst identified posts onl*. "his ar u%ent is also #o%pletel* %is#on#eived in vie. of the plain lan ua e of the said 3e#tion7 as deli)erated a)ove. 5ven7 for the sa=e of ar u%ents7 if .e a##ept that the #o%putation of

36
Page 36

reservation in respe#t of >roup , and - posts is a ainst the total va#an#ies in the #adre stren th )e#ause of the appli#a)ilit* of the s#he%e of reservation in >roup , and - posts prior to ena#t%ent7 3e#tion 44 does not distin uish the %anner of #o%putation of reservation )et.een >roup A and B posts or >roup , and - posts respe#tivel*. As su#h7 one statutor* provision #annot )e

interpreted and applied differentl* for the sa%e su)$e#t %atter.

4&) Further7 if .e a##ept the interpretation #ontended )* the appellants that #o%putation of reservation has to )e a ainst the identified posts onl*7 it .ould result into un#ertaint* of the appli#ation of the s#he%e of reservation )e#ause e;perien#e has sho.n that identifi#ation has never )een unifor% )et.een the ,entre and 3tates and even )et.een the -epart%ents of an* >overn%ent. For e;a%ple7 .hile a post of %iddle s#hool tea#her has )een notified as identified as suita)le for the )lind and lo. vision )* the ,entral >overn%ent7 it has not )een identified as suita)le for the )lind and lo. vision in so%e 3tates su#h as >u$arat and C&D et#. "his has led to a series of liti ations .hi#h have )een pendin in various +i h ,ourts. In addition7 0ara B of

37
Page 37

the O@ dated !&.1!.!''1 dealin .ith the issue of identifi#ation of $o)sJposts in su) #lause ()) states that list of the $o)sJposts notified )* the @inistr* of 3o#ial Custi#e & 5%po.er%ent is not e;haustive .hi#h further %a=es the #o%putation of reservation un#ertain and ar)itrar* in the event of a##eptan#e of the #ontention raised )* the appellants.

B') Another #ontention raised )* the appellants is that the #o%putation of reservation a ainst the total va#an#ies in the #adre stren th in >roup A & B .ill violate the rule of 1'E #eilin of reservation in favour of 3,7 3" and OB, as laid do.n )* this ,ourt in Indra Sawhney vs. nion of India and others AIR 1&&4 3,

B??. "his #ontention is also not tena)le and is a ainst the a)ovesaid $ud %ent. It is diffi#ult to understand as to ho. the #o%putation of reservation a ainst total va#an#ies in the #adre stren th in >roup A and B .ill violate 1'E #eilin .hen its

#o%putation on that )asis in >roup , and - .ill not violate the said #eilin . "here is no rationale of distin uishin )et.een the

%anner of #o%putation of reservation .ith re ard to >roup A and B posts on the one hand and %anner of #o%putation of

38
Page 38

reservation .ith re ard to >roup , and - posts on the other on this round.

B1) A perusal of Indra Sawhney (supra) .ould reveal that the #eilin of 1'E reservation applies onl* to reservation in favour of

other Ba#=.ard #lasses under Arti#le 12(B) of the ,onstitution of India .hereas the reservation in favour of persons .ith disa)ilities is hori<ontal7 .hi#h is under Arti#le 12(1) of the ,onstitution. In fa#t7 this ,ourt in the said pronoun#e%ent has used the e;a%ple of 4E reservation in favour of persons .ith disa)ilities .hile dealin .ith the rule of 1'E #eilin . 0ara &1 of the $ud %ent

#learl* )rin s out that after sele#tion and appoint%ent of #andidates under reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities the* .ill )e pla#ed in the respe#tive rosters of reserved #ate or* or open #ate or* respe#tivel* on the )asis of the #ate or* to .hi#h the* )elon and7 thus7 the reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities per to do .ith the #eilin of 1'E. 0ara &1 is

se has nothin

reprodu#ed as follo.sF:

G&1. LLall reservations are not of the sa%e nature. "here are t.o t*pes of reservations7 .hi#h %a*7 for the sa=e of #onvenien#e7 )e referred to as Kverti#al reservationsK and

39
Page 39

Khori<ontal reservationsK. "he reservations in favour of 3#heduled ,astes7 3#heduled "ri)es and other )a#=.ard #lasses Ounder Arti#le 12(B)P %a* )e #alled verti#al reservations .hereas reservations in favour of ph*si#all* handi#apped Ounder ,lause (1) of Arti#le 12P #an )e referred to as hori<ontal reservations. +ori<ontal reservations #ut a#ross the verti#al reservations : .hat is #alled inter:lo#=in reservations. "o )e %ore pre#ise7 suppose 4E of the va#an#ies are reserved in favour of ph*si#all* handi#apped personsA this .ould )e a reservation relata)le to ,lause (1) of Arti#le 12. "he persons sele#ted a ainst this 6uota .ill )e pla#ed in the appropriate #ate or*A if he )elon s to 3.,. #ate or* he .ill )e pla#ed in that 6uota )* %a=in ne#essar* ad$ust%entsA si%ilarl*7 if he )elon s to open #o%petition (O.,.) #ate or*7 he .ill )e pla#ed in that #ate or* )* %a=in ne#essar* ad$ust%ents. 5ven after providin for these hori<ontal reservations7 the per#enta e of reservations in favour of )a#=.ard #lass of #iti<ens re%ains : and should re%ain : the sa%eLLH

B!) Qet another #ontention raised )* the appellants is that the reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities %ust )e va#an#* )ased reservation .hereas Respondent No. 1 herein #ontended that it %ust )e post )ased reservation as laid do.n )* the +i h ,ourt in the i%pu ned $ud %ent. Respondent No. 1 herein relied upon the headin of 3e#tion 44 of the A#t7 vi<.7 8Reservation of 0osts97 to

propose the vie. that the reservation poli#* #onte%plated under 3e#tion 44 is post )ased reservation.

B4) It is settled la. that .hile interpretin statute the plain %eanin has to )e

an* provision of a

iven effe#t and if lan ua e

therein is si%ple and una%)i uous7 there is no need to traverse

40
Page 40

)e*ond the sa%e. se#tion

Li=e.ise7 if the lan ua e of the relevant and %essa e7 it should )e ive an*

ives a si%ple %eanin

interpreted in su#h a .a* and there is no need to

.ei hta e to headin s of those para raphs. "his aspe#t has )een #larified in Prakash !ath "hanna & Anr. vs. #o$$issioner of Inco$e %a& & Anr.7 (!''B) & 3,, 2(2. 0ara raph 14 of the said $ud %ent is relevant .hi#h reads as underF
513. It is a .ell:settled prin#iple in la. that the #ourt #annot read an*thin into a statutor* provision .hi#h is plain and una%)i uous. A statute is an edi#t of the le islature. "he lan ua e e%plo*ed in a statute is the deter%inative fa#tor of le islative intent. "he first and pri%ar* rule of #onstru#tion is that the intention of the le islation %ust )e found in the .ords used )* the le islature itself. "he 6uestion is not .hat %a* )e supposed and has )een intended )ut .hat has )een said. G3tatutes should )e #onstrued7 not as theore%s of 5u#lidH7 Cud e Learned +and said7 G)ut .ords %ust )e #onstrued .ith so%e i%a ination of the purposes .hi#h lie )ehind the%H. (3ee Lenigh Valley Coal Co. v. Yensavage. "he vie. .as reiterated in Union of India v. Filip Tiago De Gama of Vedem Vasco De Gama and Padma !ndara "ao v. tate of T.#..$

BB) It is #lear that .hen the provision is plainl* .orded and una%)i uous7 it has to )e interpreted in su#h a .a* that the ,ourt %ust avoid the dan er of a prior deter%ination of the %eanin of

a provision )ased on their o.n pre#on#eived notions of ideolo i#al stru#ture or s#he%e into .hi#h the provision to )e interpreted is so%e.hat fitted. /hile interpretin the provisions7 the ,ourt onl*

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Page 41

interprets the la. and #annot le islate it. It is the fun#tion of the Le islature to a%end7 %odif* or repeal it7 if dee%ed ne#essar*.

B1) "he headin

of a 3e#tion or %ar inal note %a* )e relied

upon to #lear an* dou)t or a%)i uit* in the interpretation of the provision and to dis#ern the le islative intent. +o.ever7 .hen the 3e#tion is #lear and una%)i uous7 there is no need to traverse )e*ond those .ords7 hen#e7 the headin s or %ar inal notes #annot #ontrol the %eanin of the )od* of the se#tion. "herefore7 the #ontention of Respondent No. 1 herein that the headin of

3e#tion 44 of the A#t is GReservation of postsH .ill not pla* a #ru#ial role7 .hen the 3e#tion is #lear and una%)i uous.

B2) Further7 the respondents heavil* relied on a de#ision of the ,onstitution Ben#h in R." Sa'harwa( and others vs. State of Pun)a' and others (1&&1) ! 3,, ?B1 to su)stantiate their #ontention. 0ara 2 reads as underF:

G2. "he e;pressions IpostsI and Iva#an#iesI7 often used in the e;e#utive instru#tions providin for reservations7 are rather pro)le%ati#al. "he .ord IpostI %eans an appoint%ent7 $o)7 offi#e or e%plo*%ent. A position to .hi#h a person is appointed. IVa#an#*I %eans an uno##upied post or offi#e. "he plain %eanin of the t.o e;pressions %a=e it #lear that there %ust )e

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a KpostK in e;isten#e to ena)le the Kva#an#*K to o##ur. "he #adre: stren th is al.a*s %easured )* the nu%)er of posts #o%prisin the #adre. Ri ht to )e #onsidered for appoint%ent #an onl* )e #lai%ed in respe#t of a post in a #adre. As a #onse6uen#e the per#enta e of reservation has to )e .or=ed out in relation to the nu%)er of posts7 .hi#h for% the #adre:stren th. "he #on#ept of Kva#an#*K has no relevan#e in operatin the per#enta e of reservation.H

B?) Adherin

to the de#ision laid )* the ,onstitution Ben#h in

R." Sa'harwa( (supra), the +i h ,ourt held as follo.sF:

12. "he -isa)ilities A#t .as ena#ted for prote#tion of the ri hts of the disa)led in various spheres li=e edu#ation7 trainin 7 e%plo*%ent and to re%ove an* dis#ri%ination a ainst the% in the sharin of develop%ent )enefits vis:R:vis non:disa)led persons. In the li ht of the le islative ai% it is ne#essar* to ive purposive interpretation to se#tion 44 .ith a vie. to a#hieve the le islative intend%ent of attainin e6uali<ation of opportunities for persons .ith disa)ilities. "he fa#t that the va#an#*:)ased roster is to )e %aintained does not %ean that 4E reservation has to )e #o%puted onl* on the )asis of va#an#*. "he differen#e )et.een the posts and va#an#ies has )een su##in#tl* pointed out in the 3upre%e ,ourt de#ision in the #ase of R." Sa'harwa( and *thers vs state of Pun)a' and others AIR 1&&1 3, 14?1 .herein it .as held that the .ord GpostH %eans an appoint%ent7 $o)7 offi#e or e%plo*%ent7 a position to .hi#h a person is appointed. GVa#an#*H %eans an uno##upied post or offi#e. "he plain %eanin of the t.o e;pressions %a=e it #lear that there %ust )e a 8post9 in e;isten#e to ena)le the va#an#* to o##ur. "he #adre:stren th is al.a*s %easured )* the nu%)er of posts #o%prisin the #adre. Ri ht to )e #onsidered for appoint%ent #an onl* )e #lai%ed in respe#t of a post in a #adre. As a #onse6uen#e the per#enta e of reservation has to )e .or=ed out in relation to the nu%)er of posts .hi#h fro% the #adre:stren th. "he #on#ept of 8va#an#*9 has no relevan#e in operatin the per#enta e of reservation. "herefore7 in our opinion7 4 E reservation for disa)led has to )e #o%puted on the

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)asis of total stren th of the #adre i.e. )oth identified as .ell as unidentified postsL.H

B() +o.ever7 the de#ision in R." Sa'harwa( (supra) is not appli#a)le to the reservation for the persons .ith disa)ilities )e#ause in the a)ove said #ase7 the point for #onsideration .as .ith re ard to the i%ple%entation of the s#he%e of reservation for 3,7 3" & OB,7 .hi#h is verti#al reservation .hereas reservation in favour of persons .ith disa)ilities is hori<ontal. /e har%oni<e .ith the stand ta=en )* the Union of India7 the appellant herein in this re ard. Besides7 the $ud %ent in R." Sa'harwa( (supra) .as pronoun#ed )efore the date on .hi#h the A#t #a%e into for#e7 as a #onse6uen#e7 the intent of the A#t %ust )e iven priorit* over the de#ision in the a)ove said

$ud %ent. "hus7 in une6uivo#al ter%s7 the reservation poli#* stipulated in the A#t is va#an#* )ased reservation.

C" 2'#si" 3

B&) 5%plo*%ent is a =e* fa#tor in the e%po.er%ent and in#lusion of people .ith disa)ilities. It is an alar%in realit* that

44
Page 44

the disa)led people are out of $o) not )e#ause their disa)ilit* #o%es in the .a* of their fun#tionin rather it is so#ial and

pra#ti#al )arriers that prevent the% fro% $oinin the .or=for#e. As a result7 %an* disa)led people live in povert* and in deplora)le #onditions. "he* are denied the ri ht to %a=e a useful

#ontri)ution to their o.n lives and to the lives of their fa%ilies and #o%%unit*.

1') "he Union of India7 the 3tate >overn%ents as .ell as the Union "erritories have a #ate ori#al o)li ation under the

,onstitution of India and under various International treaties relatin to hu%an ri hts in eneral and treaties for disa)led

persons in parti#ular7 to prote#t the ri hts of disa)led persons. 5ven thou h the A#t .as ena#ted .a* )a#= in 1&&17 the disa)led people have failed to et re6uired )enefit until toda*.

11) "hus7 after thou htful #onsideration7 .e are of the vie. that the #o%putation of reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities has to )e #o%puted in #ase of >roup A7 B7 , and - posts in an identi#al %anner vi<.7 G2"/7#$i ! 3C r1s1r&-$i" &-2- 2i1s i " $"$-' #/41r "%

$.1 2-6r1 s$r1 !$.D .hi#h is the intention of the

45
Page 45

le islature.

A##ordin l*7

#ertain

#lauses

in

the

O@

dated

!&.1!.!''17 .hi#h are #ontrar* to the a)ove reasonin

are stru#=

do.n and .e dire#t the appropriate >overn%ent to issue ne. Offi#e @e%orandu%(s) in #onsistent .ith the de#ision rendered )* this ,ourt.

1!) Further7 the reservation for persons .ith disa)ilities has nothin to do .ith the #eilin of 1'E and hen#e7 Indra Sawhney (supra) is not appli#a)le .ith respe#t to the disa)led persons.

14) /e also reiterate that the de#ision in R.". Sa'harwa( (supra) is not appli#a)le to the reservation for the persons .ith disa)ilities )e#ause in the a)ove said #ase7 the point for #onsideration .as .ith re ard to the i%ple%entation of the s#he%e of reservation for 3,7 3" & OB,7 .hi#h is verti#al reservation7 .hereas reservation in favour of persons .ith disa)ilities is hori<ontal.

Dir12$i" s3

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Page 46

1B) In our opinion7 in order to ensure proper i%ple%entation of the reservation poli#* for the disa)led and to prote#t their ri hts7 it is ne#essar* to issue the follo.in dire#tionsF

(i)

/e

here)*

dire#t

the

appellant

herein

to

issue

an

appropriate order %odif*in

the O@ dated !&.1!.!''1 and the

su)se6uent O@s #onsistent .ith this ,ourt9s Order .ithin three %onths fro% the date of passin of this $ud %ent.

(ii)

/e here)* dire#t the Gappropriate >overn%entH to #o%pute

the nu%)er of va#an#ies availa)le in all the Gesta)lish%entsH and further identif* the posts for disa)led persons .ithin a period of three %onths fro% toda* and i%ple%ent the sa%e .ithout default.

(iii) "he appellant herein shall issue instru#tions to all the depart%entsJpu)li# se#tor underta=in sJ>overn%ent #o%panies de#larin that the non o)servan#e of the s#he%e of reservation

for persons .ith disa)ilities should )e #onsidered as an a#t of non: o)edien#e and Nodal Offi#er in depart%entJpu)li# se#tor

underta=in sJ>overn%ent #o%panies7 responsi)le for the proper

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stri#t i%ple%entation of reservation for person .ith disa)ilities7 )e depart%entall* pro#eeded a ainst for the default.

11) Before partin

.ith the #ase7 .e .ould li=e to pla#e on

re#ord appre#iation for @r. 3.D Run ta7 learned senior #ounsel for renderin #o%%enda)le assistan#e to the ,ourt. "he appeal is

disposed of .ith the a)ove ter%s.

...LLLLL.LLLLLLLLLL,CI (P. SATHASIVAM( .L....LLLLLLLLLLLLLC. (RANJANA PRAEASH DESAI( .L....LLLLLLLLLLLLLC. (RANJAN ,O,OI( N5/ -5L+IA O,"OB5R '(7 !'14.

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