Telangana High Court permits a visually impaired candidate to apply for the Assistant Public Prosecutor post, challenging recruitment rules that excluded disabled candidates, highlighting inclusion in legal professions.
Visually Impaired Candidate Assistant Public Prosecutor Telangana High Court: A Milestone for Inclusion
Visually Impaired Candidate Assistant Public Prosecutor Telangana High Court is a landmark interim order issued by the Telangana High Court, allowing a visually impaired person to apply for the post of Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP). This decision is significant as the official recruitment notification had excluded candidates with disabilities, making the court’s intervention a pivotal step toward inclusivity in legal professions.
Background of the Case
The Telangana State-Level Police Recruitment Board (TSLPRB) announced 118 vacancies for the post of APP. However, one of the recruitment rules (Para 11(D)(ii)) barred visually impaired individuals from applying. Koppula Sravan Kumar, a law graduate with a 40% benchmark disability, challenged this exclusion. He argued that barring candidates solely based on disability was discriminatory and contravened the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Sravan Kumar’s petition emphasized that qualified visually impaired candidates possess the skills and competence required for prosecutorial roles. By excluding them, the recruitment process ignored both constitutional equality and statutory protections for persons with disabilities.
Legal Arguments and Precedent
The petitioner cited a 2024 Supreme Court judgment that allowed visually impaired law graduates to appear for judicial services examinations. This precedent was used to argue that excluding candidates from APP recruitment similarly violated their legal rights. The court was urged to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, irrespective of disability, provided they meet the essential qualifications.
Telangana High Court’s Interim Order
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, granted an interim order permitting Sravan Kumar to submit his application. The court clarified that this order is subject to the outcome of the writ petition, but ensures that the candidate’s eligibility is not blocked while legal proceedings continue. The next hearing has been scheduled for November 10, 2025, allowing the state counsel to respond within three weeks.
Implications for Legal Inclusion
This interim order marks a significant step toward inclusivity in the Indian legal system. By allowing a visually impaired candidate to compete for the APP post, the Telangana High Court reinforces the principle that disability should not automatically exclude capable candidates. This decision may influence future recruitment policies and set a precedent for other states to reconsider exclusionary practices.
Broader Impact
If upheld, the ruling could inspire other public sector recruitment boards to review their eligibility criteria. It underscores the importance of equal opportunity and ensures that persons with disabilities can access professional roles, particularly in law enforcement and legal services, which have traditionally seen limited participation from disabled individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Telangana High Court’s interim order about?
It allows a visually impaired candidate to apply for the Assistant Public Prosecutor post despite an exclusionary recruitment rule, pending the final hearing.
Why was the exclusion rule challenged?
The rule was challenged for being discriminatory against persons with disabilities and violating the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
What precedent supported the petition?
A 2024 Supreme Court ruling permitting visually impaired law graduates to appear for judicial services was cited as a key precedent.
What is the next step in this case?
The next hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2025, to determine the outcome of the writ petition.
