In Brief
Acid attack survivors and a blind person challenged the digital KYC process used by banks, insurers, and telecom providers, arguing that requirements to blink eyes or capture selfies excluded them from opening accounts and accessing essential services, violating their constitutional rights and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The Supreme Court held that the right to life under Article 21 encompasses a constitutional duty to ensure digital infrastructure is universally accessible to all, including persons with disabilities. The Court directed the RBI and other regulators to mandate alternative KYC verification methods beyond eye-blinking, such as voice recognition and facial movements, and to ensure compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG. The Court emphasized that bridging the digital divide is now a constitutional imperative, not mere policy discretion, and that persons with disabilities must receive reasonable accommodations in all digital services.
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