Bengaluru
The Karnataka High Court has called upon the state government to provide a response regarding the cessation of audio or voice announcements in state transport corporation buses, a crucial aid for visually impaired passengers to navigate their journeys effectively. The petitioner, N Shreyas, a visually impaired lawyer, presented his case, asserting that the government buses had previously offered audio announcements, but this invaluable service was abruptly terminated, causing hardship for individuals like himself. Shreyas also argued that the Court should draw attention to relevant government authorities and ensure compliance with Section 41 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, which mandates accessibility for the physically challenged across all modes of public transport. In response to this compelling argument, a division bench led by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit issued a notice on August 3, 2022, to the respondents, which include BMTC, KSRTC, the Transport Department, and the Women and Child Development Department. The petitioner was granted a two-week period to file objections. However, it is regrettable that the respondents have yet to submit any reply or statement. The bench emphasized that there is no dispute regarding the significance of the issue raised in the petition. It is viewed as a matter of great social responsibility, and therefore, a prompt and thorough response is deemed necessary to address the concerns of visually impaired passengers and uphold their rights to accessible public transportation.
