Dimapur, Nov. 3 (EMN): In a move that will improve access to justice for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Nagaland government has designated the Sessions Court in each district of the state as Special Court to provide speedy trial for offences committed against PwDs.
This was informed by Diethono Nakhro, state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in a statement made available to the media on Sunday.
‘In a separate notification, all public prosecutors, additional public prosecutors and assistant public prosecutors in Nagaland have been designated as special prosecutor for the purpose of conducting cases in these Special Courts,’ read the statement, adding that “these notifications are in compliance with Sections 84-85 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.”
Chapter XVI (Sixteen) of the Act provides penalties for offences committed against PwDs and also for violation of the provisions of the law. Offenders are punishable by a fine of up to INR 5 lakh, it informed.
“Anyone who intentionally insults or intimidates a person with disability, or sexually exploits a woman or child with disability shall be punishable with imprisonment between six months to five years including fine,” read the statement.
“Furthermore, whoever fraudulently avails or attempts to avail any benefit meant for persons with benchmark disabilities shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both,” it added.
