The Supreme Court affirmed a Himachal Pradesh High Court decision that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) unlawfully discharged a constable who lost his vision while on duty. The court stated that authorities were obligated to accommodate the constable under the law instead of terminating his employment.
A CRPF constable, Bali Ram, suffered a visual disability during service in 1996 and was declared medically unfit in 1998, violating the Persons with Disabilities Act. The court awarded him a lump sum compensation of Rs 1.25 crore, covering back wages, interest, and legal expenses.
The judgment emphasized that the CRPF’s failure to comply with the law was unacceptable, noting that the force should have provided suitable accommodation for the constable as mandated by the legislation. The court directed the government and CRPF to pay the compensation and assist the constable in managing his finances and medical needs.
