Supreme Court Urges Increased Airport Compassion for Disabled Passengers

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for airport staff to be more compassionate towards persons with disabilities (PwD), particularly in light of an incident involving a wheelchair-bound woman at Kolkata airport. Training sessions for staff are recommended, and accessibility standards must be implemented promptly.

The Supreme Court has called for increased sensitivity towards disabled passengers at airports, insisting on regular training for staff. The move follows a petition from a woman consistently asked to stand during security checks at Kolkata airport, highlighting the need for better personnel training and awareness.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Pankaj Mithal stressed that the humane treatment of passengers with disabilities is crucial. They pointed out the government must enforce mandatory accessibility standards nationwide within the next three months to enhance public space accessibility.

The incident at Kolkata airport, involving traveler Arushi Singh, who is 75% disabled, underscored a lack of appropriate support and female security staff, prompting the court to demand urgent improvements in these areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)