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Supreme Court: Offer jobs to disabled workers

The Supreme Court of India, in a significant ruling, emphasized the need for inclusive workplace practices by holding that disabled workers must be offered suitable alternative employment if they acquire a disability during the course of their service. The Court stated that termination solely on the basis of disability, without exploring alternative options, violates the principle of equality and the rights of persons with disabilities. This judgment reinforces the mandate of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which obligates employers to ensure reasonable accommodation and prohibits discrimination. The case involved an employee who developed a disability while in service and was dismissed without any attempt to reassign him to a different role. The Court ruled in favor of the employee, asserting that public and private sector employers have a duty to protect the livelihood and dignity of workers with disabilities. This decision is a step forward in advancing inclusive employment policies across India.