In Brief
A CRPF Assistant Commandant with diagnosed mental health disorders (OCD, depression, 40-70% disability) challenged disciplinary proceedings initiated for workplace misconduct. The Supreme Court held that initiating disciplinary proceedings against an employee with mental disability, where the disability was a contributing factor to the misconduct, constitutes indirect discrimination under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. The Court ruled that disability need not be the sole cause; it suffices to show it was one factor. The Court rejected the 2002 exemption notification as inapplicable and set aside the disciplinary proceedings. The employee is entitled to reasonable accommodation through reassignment to suitable alternate employment with same pay and benefits, while excluding roles involving firearms that pose safety risks.",
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