The Supreme Court on Friday (August 8, 2025) asked the Union government to respond to a petition alleging institutional apathy in maintaining welfare of persons with autistic spectrum disorders.
A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K.V. Viswanathan was told by the counsel appearing for the NGO, Action for Autism, that systemic apathy in the implementation of laws meant for the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, etc., has chronically deprived them opportunities to be self-reliant and part of the mainstream society.
“Some of these people are gifted. But in conditions like Asperger’s syndrome, they face difficulties with social interactions,” the counsel briefed the court.
Travel hurdles
The NGO’s lawyer said it was extremely hard for persons with autism and neurodivergent conditions to travel. Institutionalised changes need to be made to provide orientation to airlines’ crew, staff at airports, railway stations and metro services, and sensitise them to the problems faced by such persons.
