Rajasthan High Court: In a writ petition filed by 100% hearing-impaired student, seeking various reliefs concerning her education and examination support in a University under the State of Rajasthan, particularly, the non-availability of an interpreter and denial of home-based instruction, despite her disability, a single-judge bench of Anoop Kumar Dhand, J., issued interim directions to the respondent-University.
The respondent-University submitted that the University had provided an Interpreter to the 100% hearing-impaired student; however, she was insisting on being taught at home, which is not permissible. It was argued that while the service of an Interpreter within the college premises is allowed, teaching at home could not be permitted. The respondent also contended that an Interpreter would be made available for the practical examination, but not for theoretical exams, as the student is not visually impaired. Since she can see and write, she could read the question paper herself. It was further submitted that the petitioner would be provided with an extra hour and an extra copy during her examinations, considering her 100% hearing impairment.
In the light of argument advanced and issues raised, the Court came to teh aid of 100% hearing-impaired student and passed the following interim directions —
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Directed the University to provide one Interpreter for assisting the petitioner in her studies on the college premises until her theory examination takes place.
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Directed the University to also provide one Interpreter to assist the petitioner during her practical papers and examinations.
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Directed to grant the petitioner shall an extra hour and one additional answer sheet during the course of both theory and practical examinations.
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Directed that the petitioner be provided with the examination paper prepared for students under the hearing impairment category in accordance with the standard procedures followed for candidates with disabilities falling under the categories of “deaf, dumb and blind.”
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Directed to list the matter for further hearing on 08-07-2025 and the remaining prayers made in the writ petition will be considered at the time of final disposal.
[Manisha Mina v. State of Rajasthan, S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 8137/2025, Decided on 30-05-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Mr. Mahendra Shandilya and Mr. Babu Lal Bairwa, Counsel for the Petitioner
Mr. M.A. Khan, Ms. Shama Khan and Ms. Rekha Jain, Counsel for the Respondents
