May 24, 2025

A 38-year-old state government employee, SB Anil Kumar, was denied promotion due to a locomotor disability. However, the Karnataka High Court intervened, ruling that he should be appointed as an assistant accounts officer. Despite facing rejection previously, the court emphasized that suitability assessment should not rely solely on medical certificates but also on functional evaluation. Anil Kumar, who has been serving as an assistant for 10 years, was initially appointed under the PwD quota and later applied for the AAO position. Despite meeting the eligibility criteria and having over 75% disability, he was excluded from the provisional selection list citing a lack of eligible PwD candidates. The court's decision overturned this exclusion, highlighting that his eligibility for the assistant position should extend to the AAO role given the similar job requirements. The bench noted his ability to perform light duties and stressed the importance of a functional assessment alongside medical certification. The ruling directed the authorities to include Anil Kumar's name in the final selection list, issue appointment orders, and determine seniority within eight weeks. This decision provides a significant victory for disability rights in the workplace, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not unfairly discriminated against in career advancement opportunities.

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Tags: Karnataka high court, Disability rights, Government employee,