Syllabus: Social empowerment
Context
- The Supreme Court has intervened to address stigma and legal discrimination faced by persons affected by leprosy.
- On the Court’s direction, the NHRC reported 97 central and State laws that still contain discriminatory provisions.
Nature of Discriminatory Provisions
- These laws restrict access to public transport, public spaces and basic civic services.
- They bar individuals from contesting elections, holding public office, accessing employment, or running businesses.
- Many provisions are rooted in colonial-era beliefs, misinformation, and fear of contagion.
About Leprosy
- Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, one of the earliest recorded human infections (2000 BCE evidence).
- India still accounts for ~57% of global leprosy cases, with risks heightened by genetic predisposition and poor sanitation.
- Modern medical science confirms leprosy is non-infectious and fully curable with timely diagnosis and treatment.
NHRC’s Recommendations
- Since 2021, the NHRC has advocated an integrated approach emphasizing:
- Early identification and timely treatment
- Rehabilitation support and social reintegration
- Removal of discriminatory provisions from all laws
- Replacement of derogatory terminology in statutes
- Promotion of iris scans for Aadhaar enrolment since nerve damage affects fingerprints.
Judicial Directions
- The Supreme Court directed all States and UTs to file detailed reports on steps taken to remove discriminatory legal provisions.
- The Court stressed that laws must reflect current medical evidence, not archaic beliefs.
Concerns and Implications
- Continuing such laws traps affected individuals in perpetual social exclusion and violates dignity and equality.
- Retaining outdated provisions undermines constitutional rights, especially Article 21.
- Discrimination persists despite availability of effective treatment, making such provisions unacceptable in modern governance.
Way Forward
- Centre and States must urgently repeal discriminatory laws, update administrative procedures, and adopt stigma-free terminology.
- Strong public awareness campaigns and accessible healthcare are essential to eliminate stigma at its roots.
- Policy reform must ensure full dignity, rights, and social inclusion of persons affected by leprosy.
