SC issues interim order allowing disabled apply for IPS & related posts

The Supreme Court issued an interim order on Friday permitting disabled candidates who passed the civil service exam to apply for IPS. In addition to the IPS, the Supreme Court also allowed applications to the Indian Railway Protection Force (IRPF), Delhi, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar, and Lakshwadeep Police Force (DANIPS). However, the Supreme Court's final verdict will guide future course actions, including appointment.

The Supreme Court issued the interim ruling in response to a petition submitted by the non-governmental organisation, National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled. The interim order was issued by the SC bench comprised of Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice Abhay S. Oka.

The deadline for those who passed the civil service exam to apply for the service they want to work in was Thursday. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, gave the disabled till 4 p.m. on April 1 to file their applications. The application must be sent to the Secretary-General either in person or via courier (UPSC).

Disabled people were previously unable to join the police service. The supreme court issued an interim order in response to a petition. The Supreme Court granted the Centre permission to prepare a detailed affidavit in response to the case. On April 15, the supreme court will hear the case.

The Centre had in an earlier order issued in 2021, exempted all categories of posts under the Indian Police Service and Indian Railway Protection Force among some other services from the provision of 4% reservation in employment for persons with benchmark disabilities, taking into account the nature of the work involved in these services. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides for a 4% quota in government jobs for persons with disabilities as specified.

In a separate notification, the government had exempted all categories of posts of combatant personnel of Central Armed Police Forces like Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal and Assam Rifles from the provisions of the reservation under the 2016 Act. Earlier in 2018, the government had exempted all categories of posts of combatant personnel in the Armed Forces from the provision.