Madras High Court directs NTA to keep sanitary products at NEET examination centers across India
NEET UG 2024: The Madras High Court recently ruled in favor of a student who requires the use of adult diapers, allowing them to attend the NEET UG Examinations while wearing the diaper. The court emphasised that the principle of reasonable accommodation extends beyond individuals covered by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 to include anyone with special needs.
Moreover, in the recent verdict the High Court also directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide sanitary pads near restroom facilities at all National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination centers throughout India. The court's directive ensures that all NEET examinees scheduled for May 5 have convenient access to both restroom facilities and sanitary pads.
The court orders, “examination authorities to ensure that all examination centres had suitable toilet facilities with water amenities and a minimum number of sanitary products so that the girls coming unprepared could use them.”
The order came following the plea of a NEET aspirant who suffered a burn accident and was undergoing treatment for a Neurogenic Bladder condition. Medical professionals had certified the candidate's lack of urinary control, necessitating continuous use of a diaper that required frequent changing.
Though the candidate requested the authorities to permit her to write the exam wearing the diaper and to change it in between depending on her condition, since there was no response, she approached the court.
The court further said, “If the permission sought by the candidate was denied, it would not enable her to write the exam, which would lead to discrimination forbidden by Article 14 of the Constitution.”
The court also added that it would have been appropriate if the dress code specifically permitted the wearing of sanitary pads by girl children. The court added that the examination authorities should bear in mind the special needs of girl children and provide reasonable accommodation.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is renowned for its rigorous assessment of aspiring medical professionals.
- With inputs from agencies
