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The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered changes to the digital Know Your Customer (KYC) process to make it more accessible for people with disabilities, including those with facial disfigurements and visual impairments.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said that digital access is a vital part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court also directed that all government websites, educational platforms, and financial tech services must be made accessible to vulnerable and marginalised groups.
“In the contemporary era, where access to essential services, governance, education, healthcare and economic opportunities are increasingly mediated through digital platforms, the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution must be reinterpreted in light of these technological realities,” said the bench.
While writing the judgment, Justice Mahadevan said, “The digital divide, characterised by unequal access to digital infrastructure, skills and content, continues to perpetuate systemic exclusion not only of persons with disabilities but also of large sections of rural populations, senior citizens, economically weaker communities and linguistic minorities.”
The judges emphasised that the digital divide still excludes not just persons with disabilities, but also rural communities, senior citizens, the economically weaker sections, and linguistic minorities.
The court affirmed that the petitioners have a legal right to demand inclusive and accessible digital KYC processes with necessary accommodations.
The bench highlighted the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, especially in rural areas, and said that as healthcare and other essential services move online, the right to life must be understood in this new digital context.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe top court also emphasised that closing the digital gap is crucial to ensure everyone can access government services and welfare schemes, and to protect the dignity and rights of all citizens.
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