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Chandigarh: PSHRC seeks report on apathy towards poor with special needs
The Punjab State & Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission (PSHRC) took suo motu cognisance after a Hindustan Times report on April 23 about alleged neglect of economically weaker section residents with special needs at a Sector 15 Group Home. It directed the secretary of social welfare, women and child development to submit a detailed report by May 18 ahead of a hearing on May 25, and noted that admissions discrimination violates rights. The commission spoke of the existence of a Sector 31 Group Home facility and stressed non-discriminatory admissions for EWS persons with disability.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of poor individuals with disabilities in care facilities and the role of a rights commission in safeguarding their rights.
Timeline
3 Events
Article published reporting PSHRC action
April 30, 2026
The article detailing the PSHRC's suo motu cognisance and directions was published.
PSHRC acts on HT report; takes suo motu cognisance and directs report
April 29, 2026
The Punjab State & Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission, under the chairmanship of Justice Sant Prakash and with Justices Gurbir Singh and Jitender Singh Shunty as members, took suo motu cognisance of the HT report and directed the secretary, social welfare, women and child development, Chandigarh administration, to submit a detailed report by May 18, ahead of the next hearing on May 25. The commission also stated it pursued the HT report titled 'No professional staff, activities for poor with special needs' in its press release.
HT report published on UT's treatment of poor with special needs
April 23, 2026
Hindustan Times published a report titled 'No professional staff, activities for poor with special needs', describing alleged second-class treatment of mentally ill and intellectually disabled persons from the economically weaker section at a small Group Home facility in Sector 15, Chandigarh UT.