In a significant public interest litigation, the Supreme Court of India took firm action on July 30, 2025, to address discriminatory provisions in existing laws against leprosy-affected and cured persons. The case was heard by Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who emphasized the urgent need to eliminate outdated and derogatory language from statutes, rules, regulations, and official instructions.
“All State laws, pre or post Constitution, containing discriminatory expressions against leprosy-affected or cured persons must be reviewed and identified.” — Supreme Court Order dated 07.05.2025
Earlier, on May 7, 2025, the Supreme Court had ordered the Chief Secretaries and Law Secretaries of all states to form Committees comprising three officers from the Law and Justice Department. These Committees, ideally headed by a Principal District Judge, were to be formed in consultation with the Chief Justices of respective High Courts.
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- Review of Laws: Identify all central and state statutes, regulations, service rules under Article 309, and bye-laws that include derogatory references to leprosy.
- Recommend Amendments: Suggest changes to remove such discriminatory language and submit recommendations to the respective State Governments.
- Compliance Monitoring: States are expected to act on the recommendations without delay.
The following States and Union Territories have submitted compliance affidavits confirming the formation of Committees:
- West Bengal
- Karnataka
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
- Delhi (NCT)
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Tamil Nadu
- Chandigarh
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“Remaining States are directed to complete the process within two weeks and submit their compliance affidavits.” — Supreme Court
Additionally, the Court emphasized that already formed Committees must initiate their work immediately in line with the earlier order.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also been involved in this matter. The Court has instructed the Registry to share a copy of the order with the NHRC Secretary, who is expected to respond with an official report or recommendation, with prior approval from the Commission's Chairman.
States that have formed Committees are directed to:
- Submit a status report detailing actions taken based on the Committees' recommendations.
- Complete this reporting within one week before the next hearing date.
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The Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 12, 2025, to review the compliance and progress of all States and Union Territories.
“The Chief Secretaries must personally ensure timely submission of the action-taken reports.” — Supreme Court
Case Title: Federation of Leprosy Organisations (FOLO) & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors.
Case Type: Writ Petition (Civil) No. 83/2010
Connected Case: W.P. (C) No. 1151/2017 (PIL-W)
Petitioner: Federation of Leprosy Organisations (FOLO) and Another
Respondents: Union of India and Others
Date of Order: 30 July 2025
Next Hearing Date: 12 November 2025