SC to examine demand for district-level residential facilities for autistic persons

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Today a plea seeking the constitution of a national expert committee to frame comprehensive guidelines for the care, rehabilitation and protection of persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities.

According to the apex court’s cause list for the day, the matter will be taken up by a Bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan.

The petition has sought directions to the Centre and other authorities to establish population-based residential facilities for persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities in every district, and to frame comprehensive and binding standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing their establishment, regulation and monitoring.

The case was instituted earlier this year as a public interest petition by a disability rights organisation working closely with persons with autism and their families. The petitioners have argued that despite existing laws and policies, there remains a serious gap in structured, accountable and humane care systems for individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities, particularly those requiring long-term residential support.

One of the key prayers in the plea is for the court to direct the authorities to constitute a national expert committee comprising representatives of autistic persons, parents’ associations, disability-rights experts and medical professionals. The committee, the plea states, should be tasked with formulating and finalising uniform national guidelines to ensure consistent standards of care and protection across the country.

The petition has also sought directions to ensure proper medical facilities, including regular health check-ups and continuous access to qualified doctors, therapists and trained caregivers for residents of such facilities. It has emphasised that the absence of trained personnel and medical oversight often leaves residents vulnerable to neglect and abuse.

Further, the plea calls for the framing of mandatory minimum standards for residential institutions. These include provisions for adequate nutrition, safe and hygienic living conditions, sufficient staffing by trained caregivers, emergency preparedness, and financial transparency to prevent exploitative fee structures.

In addition to nationwide norms, the petition has urged the court to direct the authorities to establish pilot residential communities in each State and Union Territory within a fixed timeline, based on the proposed SOPs. These experimental housing projects, the petitioners argue, could serve as models for inclusive, community-based living arrangements.

The plea has also underscored the need for regular audits, monitoring and accountability mechanisms to prevent instances of abuse, neglect or exploitation in residential facilities catering to persons with intellectual disabilities.

The outcome of the Today hearing is expected to be closely watched by disability rights groups and caregivers, as any directions issued by the Supreme Court could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of residential care and the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities across India.