The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) told the Supreme Court that nearly 97 Central and State laws in India still discriminate against people affected by leprosy. These laws block access to jobs, public transport, elected posts, and many public areas, increasing the stigma around the disease. A Bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is hearing petitions claiming more than 100 legal provisions discriminate against persons with leprosy, hurting their dignity. The NHRC’s latest report says India has about 57% of all reported leprosy cases worldwide. Many of these people live in very poor conditions and face social and legal discrimination. The NHRC suggests early detection, timely treatment, rehabilitation, and removing discriminatory laws to restore dignity and fairness. The rights body asks the Union government to pass a new law to replace outdated, insulting terms in current laws. It also wants State governments to improve healthcare, sanitation, electricity, and other services in leprosy colonies and homes. No residents should be evicted without proper rehabilitation and compensation. The NHRC also recommends that Aadhaar use iris scans since many affected persons struggle with fingerprint authentication. Several laws hold on to discrimination. For example, the Nurses and Midwives Act, 1953, bars people with leprosy from nursing councils by calling them “lepers.” The Indian Railways Act, 1989, allows removal or segregation of passengers with infective leprosy, even forfeiting tickets. State laws also discriminate. The Allahabad High Court Rules, 1952, stop persons with leprosy from becoming pleaders unless cured. The Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968, bans leprosy-affected persons from some jobs and imposes penalties for violations. In Delhi, laws prevent leprosy-affected from joining Panchayats or selling goods in markets. On November 12, the Supreme Court asked States and Union Territories to report on their actions following NHRC’s suggestions. The court will further hear the case on December 17. The Bench said, “Let the copy of the report be circulated amongst the learned counsel for the parties to enable them to identify the areas which might require judicial intervention.” Earlier, the court urged States to quickly amend or remove these discriminatory laws, either by special Assembly sessions or by ordinance. Petitioners like the Federation of Leprosy Organisation (FOLO) and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy say these laws have no place today as leprosy is non-infectious and fully curable with modern medicine.