In Brief
A public interest litigation challenged discrimination against leprosy-affected persons despite the disease being curable through Multi-Drug Therapy. The petitioner highlighted that the government falsely claimed eradication while over 2 lakh cases annually remain untreated, and affected persons faced stigma in health, education, banking, and housing. The Supreme Court issued comprehensive directions mandating availability of free MDT drugs at primary health centres, awareness campaigns, anti-discrimination measures in schools and hospitals, rehabilitation schemes, disability assessments, and community-based facilities. The Court emphasized that leprosy is completely curable and persons affected deserve equality and dignity under the Constitution.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.