The Rajasthan High Court has clarified that disability certificates used to claim reservation or employment benefits must strictly comply with the procedures laid down under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Hearing a batch of writ petitions led by Ramprakash Kharlwa, the Jaipur Bench emphasized that only certificates issued by designated certifying authorities under the law can be considered valid for claiming benefits meant for persons with disabilities.
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The Court disposed of multiple petitions together, setting out clear directions for the State Government and recruiting agencies regarding verification and reassessment of disability certificates.
Background of the Case
The petitions arose from disputes relating to recruitment processes in Rajasthan where candidates claimed reservation benefits under the disability quota.
Several candidates had submitted disability certificates to avail themselves of reservation benefits during recruitment conducted by state authorities and recruiting agencies.
However, concerns were raised about the validity of certain certificates, particularly whether they were issued by properly designated authorities and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under the RPwD Act, 2016.
As a result, the State initiated verification of such certificates and sought reassessment of the disabilities of some candidates. This prompted the affected candidates to approach the High Court challenging the action taken by the authorities.
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Court’s Observations
The High Court observed that the doctrine of reasonable accommodation is a constitutional obligation aimed at ensuring equality and fairness for persons with disabilities. However, it stressed that the protection of disability rights must also be balanced with the need to prevent misuse of the reservation system.
Referring to earlier Supreme Court judgments on disability rights, the Court noted that the principle of reasonable accommodation is a positive duty of the State rather than an act of charity.
“The State is duty-bound to ensure that only eligible persons are appointed against posts reserved for persons with disabilities,” the Court observed.
The bench further stated that when a large number of candidates apply under a reserved category and doubts arise about the authenticity of some certificates, the government has the authority to verify them.
Validity of Disability Certificates
The Court examined the provisions of the RPwD Act, particularly those dealing with certification of disabilities.
It held that disability certificates must be issued only by authorities designated under Chapter X of the RPwD Act and strictly in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government.
According to the Court, any certificate issued by a medical board or officer who is not a designated certifying authority under the Act would be invalid for claiming benefits.
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The bench noted that the law requires disability assessment to follow the standards prescribed under Section 56 of the RPwD Act, and the certification must be issued by authorities notified under Section 57 of the Act.
Reassessment and Verification Allowed
The High Court also clarified that the State Government or recruiting agencies have the power to direct candidates or employees to undergo reassessment of disability before designated authorities.
This power extends not only to applicants but also to employees who may have already secured government jobs on the basis of disability certificates.
The Court explained that if a person obtains employment using a false or invalid disability certificate, the law does not provide protection against action by the authorities.
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Court’s Decision
After considering the issues raised in the batch of petitions, the High Court disposed of the matters with several directions.
The Court held that disability assessment must strictly follow the RPwD Act and the guidelines issued by the Government of India.
It further ruled that certificates issued by medical boards or officers who are not designated certifying authorities cannot be relied upon to claim benefits under the disability reservation framework.
The bench also directed recruiting agencies and the State Government to ensure that the certification process strictly complies with the statutory guidelines.
The Court made it clear that any action against individuals who obtained benefits through invalid certificates must follow reassessment procedures prescribed under the RPwD Act.
With these directions, the writ petitions were disposed of and any interim protection granted earlier was withdrawn.
Case Title: Ramprakash Kharlwa vs State of Rajasthan & Others
Case No.: S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 15370/2025 (with connected matters)
Decision Date: 01 March 2026
