Delhi High Court Orders SBI to Revise Promotion Policy for Visually Impaired Employees
Delhi High Court orders SBI to review promotion policy over visual impairment discrimination bias
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
The Delhi High Court has mandated the State Bank of India (SBI) to reassess its promotion policy that discriminates against visually impaired employees. The court emphasized the need for alternative pathways for career advancement, directing SBI to consider recommendations from the Visually Impaired Bank Employees Welfare Association within 12 weeks.
- 01The Delhi High Court ruled that visually impaired employees cannot be discriminated against in promotions, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- 02The promotion policy at SBI required prior experience in roles inaccessible to visually impaired officers, leading to claims of discrimination.
- 03The Visually Impaired Bank Employees Welfare Association represents over 600 visually impaired bank employees and filed the petition against SBI's policy.
- 04The court directed SBI to review alternative promotion pathways suggested by the association and implement changes within 12 weeks.
- 05Other public sector banks have adopted inclusive policies, contrasting SBI's approach.
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In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to reconsider its promotion policy that has been deemed discriminatory towards visually impaired employees. The ruling, delivered by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, highlighted that the current policy mandates prior experience in roles such as Branch Manager, which are not feasible for visually impaired officers due to a lack of assistive technology. The Visually Impaired Bank Employees Welfare Association, representing over 600 visually impaired bank employees, filed the petition claiming that the policy violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Constitution. The court emphasized that employees with disabilities must have equal opportunities for career advancement and directed SBI to consider the association's recommendations within 12 weeks. The ruling also noted that other public sector banks have implemented inclusive practices, underscoring the need for SBI to adopt similar measures to ensure fair treatment of visually impaired employees.
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The ruling could lead to significant changes in SBI's promotion policy, improving career advancement opportunities for visually impaired employees.
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