Supreme Court and NHRC Push for Removal of Discriminatory Laws Against Persons Affected by Leprosy
The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions to remove 97 central and state laws that still contain discriminatory provisions against people affected by leprosy. These 'antediluvian' laws restrict access to public transport, the right to run for office, and employment. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended replacing derogatory terminology and using iris scans for Aadhaar enrolment, as leprosy-induced nerve damage often affects fingertips. Since leprosy is now fully curable and non-infectious with modern medicine, the court has directed states to report on steps taken to eliminate these stigmas and ensure fundamental rights.
Key Points
- India reports approximately 57% of the world's leprosy cases, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
- Discriminatory laws persist despite leprosy being curable and non-infectious with Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT).
- The NHRC advocates for the use of iris scans for Aadhaar because leprosy often causes loss of sensation and damage to fingertips.
- The Supreme Court's intervention aims to ensure dignity and equal access to fundamental rights for affected individuals.
Exam Facts
- Mycobacterium leprae is the causative agent of leprosy.
- 97 central and state laws have been identified as discriminatory by the NHRC.
- India accounts for 57% of global leprosy cases according to current health data.
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