Disabled people face numerous struggles to get benefits, schemes and insurances. Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SC) passed a judgment in favour disabled people in India. The SC clearly stated that the insurance policy taken for a disabled person by the parent or guardian must be allowed to mature after 55 years of age of the proposer. Till date, the lumpsum payment could be withdrawn only after the death of the parent or guardian. Members from the disabled community says that this is indeed a welcome move from the top court.
The bench of Justices AK Sikri, Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer stated that there might be times when a disabled person needs the payment for their expenses. But the current policy restricts them from getting the amount. The court has asked the central government to look into providing exemptions in tax as well.
The court further added, “Even when he/she has paid full premium, the handicapped person is not able to receive any annuity only because the parent/guardian of such handicapped person is still alive. There may be many other such situations. However, it is for the Legislature to take care of these aspects and to provide suitable provision by making necessary amendments in Section 80D of the act”.
The court looked into matter after a plea was filed by Ravi Agarwal, who is a disabled person. Reportedly, there has been a rising demand for this plea from the disabled community.
