Rule barring blind persons from studying physiotherapy stayed

Updated on: Friday, November 18, 2011

In an encouraging development for the disabled, the Mumbai HC stayed a newly framed government rule which makes the blind students ineligible for admission to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy / Occupational Therapy courses.

As a result, for now, the blind candidates would be able to take up these courses.

The interim order of pision bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice Roshan Dalvi came on the petition filed by Kritika Purohit, a blind girl, who is currently studying in the second year of B P Th.

The government had appointed a committee, under the chairmanship of Dr V S Gupte, to frame draft guidelines for admission to the course. The committee held that those who are visually challenged would find it "extremely difficult" or "nearly impossible" to give laser therapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation or gait training, which are part of physiotherapy treatment. Hence, blind candidates may not be admitted.

Based on the report, government issued admission rules last week, barring the blind students.

However, the judges, relying on submission made by Prof Sam Taraporewala of Xavier's Resource Centre for Visually Challenged, noted that a number of visually challenged physiotherapists are practising successfully in India as well as abroad.

The court also noted that petitioner herself had passed the first year of her course with 62 per cent marks.

Rule barring blind persons from studying physiotherapy stayed

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