Supreme Court: Digital Access is a Fundamental Right
Digital Access for All, Says Supreme Court
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In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has declared that access to digital services like KYC (Know Your Customer) is a fundamental right for all citizens. This decision came in response to two public interest litigation (PIL) petitions highlighting the difficulties faced by visually impaired and acid attack victims in navigating digital processes.
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Ensuring Equality and Accessibility
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The court, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, emphasized the importance of ensuring that digital processes are universally accessible. They stressed that denying access to these services based on disabilities or physical limitations violates fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14 (right to equality), 15 (protection against discrimination), and 21 (right to life and liberty) of the Indian Constitution.
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Right to Digital Access is Part of Right to Life
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The court went a step further, stating that the right to digital access is an essential component of the right to life under Article 21. This means that the government has a responsibility to make sure that all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, can participate fully in the digital world.
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20 Directives for Easier KYC
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As part of this ruling, the Supreme Court issued 20 specific directions to the government aimed at making KYC procedures more accessible for visually impaired and acid attack victims. These directions likely cover areas such as alternative authentication methods, accessible online platforms, and support services to ensure a smoother and more inclusive experience for all.
