Madras High Court Orders Permanent Ramps at Polling Booths to Ensure Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

The Madras High Court has directed authorities to construct permanent ramps at polling stations that are regularly used during elections, emphasizing that accessibility for persons with disabilities is a legal obligation and not merely an election-time arrangement. The Court observed that temporary wooden ramps installed shortly before polling often prove inadequate and create difficulties for disabled voters.

The case was filed by a disability rights activist who sought better accessibility at polling booths and easier access to election-related information through digital platforms. The petitioner argued that despite repeated directions from the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India, many polling stations continue to lack permanent infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan noted that educational institutions and public buildings, which frequently function as polling booths, are already required to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The Court stressed that the Election Commission has a statutory duty to ensure polling stations are accessible and voter information is available in formats that can be easily understood and used by persons with disabilities.

The Bench expressed concern that permanent ramps remain absent in many polling locations despite clear legal requirements and repeated policy directions. It observed that recurring dependence on temporary structures demonstrates a failure to implement long-term accessibility measures.

Accordingly, the Court directed the Election Commission and State authorities to ensure the construction of permanent ramps in routinely notified polling booths. It also instructed the Election Commission to accelerate efforts to make its websites and digital services fully accessible in accordance with recognised accessibility standards.

The judgment reinforces the principle that equal participation in the democratic process requires meaningful physical and digital accessibility, enabling persons with disabilities to exercise their voting rights independently and with dignity.