CLPR represents Prema Ram, a person with a benchmark disability of 50% Haemophilia, in a writ petition before the Supreme Court of India challenging the exclusion of persons with Haemophilia from the benefit of reservation in public employment under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act). Haemophilia is a rare, incurable genetic disorder that causes uncontrolled bleeding, resulting in locomotor disability, loss of limbs, and may be life-threatening.
The petitioner applied for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination held on 25 May 2025 but was unable to avail the reservation benefits under the RPWD Act. The examination application did not include Haemophilia within the category of recognised disabilities, preventing him from registering as a person with disability and thereby excluding him from the corresponding rights and concessions.
CLPR, on behalf of the petitioner, argued that Section 34 of the RPWD Act provides reservation in employment for persons with benchmark disabilities but restricts it to certain categories without any rational basis, thereby violating Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. It was further submitted that the Act imposes a statutory duty on government establishments to ensure non-discrimination in matters of employment. Equal opportunity to livelihood was affirmed by the Hon’ble court in the landmark case of Indra Sawhney v. Union of India, 1992 Supp (3) SCC 217. In fact, the Court has specifically mandated positive action by the State Government to ensure equality and dignity for persons with disabilities, in the case of Vikash Kumar v. Union Public Service Commission, AIR 2021 SC 2447.
The petition seeks interim relief directing that the petitioner be recognised as a person with benchmark disability in the Civil Services Examination, 2025, and be granted all necessary concessions to write the examination. It also seeks a declaration that the exclusion of persons with Haemophilia from the benefit of reservation under the RPWD Act is unconstitutional.
Notice was issued on July 10, 2025. The matter stands posted for final hearing.