US Edition‘Right to digital access part of Article 21’: SC mandates inclusive digital KYC process for persons with disabilities
- On April 30, 2025, the Supreme Court in New Delhi, through a ruling delivered by two of its justices, directed the implementation of accessible digital KYC procedures to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
- The court acted in response to petitions highlighting that disabled individuals, including those with visual impairments and facial disfigurements, face barriers completing visual tasks required by current digital KYC processes.
- The court noted that these barriers exclude affected persons from accessing bank accounts, government welfare schemes, essential services, and participation in the digital ecosystem.
- Justice Mahadevan observed that disparities in availability and proficiency related to digital technologies persistently result in the exclusion of disabled individuals as well as other vulnerable groups such as rural residents, the elderly, economically disadvantaged populations, and linguistic minorities.
- The apex court issued 20 directions requiring all government, educational, and fintech digital platforms to become universally accessible, framing digital access as part of the constitutional right to life under Article 21.
15 Articles
15 Articles
‘Right to digital access part of Article 21’: SC mandates inclusive digital KYC process for persons with disabilities
Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan emphasised, in the judgement, that the state has an obligation to design an inclusive digital ecosystem that is accessible to all, including marginalised and vulnerable persons, according to LiveLaw.
Digital access a basic right: SC orders e-KYC for disabled, acid attack survivors
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed changes to the digital Know Your Customer (KYC) process to make it easier for people with disabilities, such as those with facial disfigurements or visual impairments, to access financial services
Supreme Court says digital access fundamental right, directs KYC reforms for disabled, acid attack survivors
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that digital access is a fundamental aspect of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, and ordered sweeping changes in digital Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and acid attack survivors. A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan issued 20 directions to make digital KYC procedures inclusive. The move comes in response to difficu…
Supreme Court upholds inclusive digital access as a part of fundamental right to life
‘The right to digital access emerges as an instinctive component of the right to life and liberty, necessitating the state to proactively design and implement inclusive digital ecosystems to serve not only the privileged, but also the marginalised and those who have been historically excluded’
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