Supreme Court Mandates New Digital KYC Process For Acid Attack Survivors, Ensures Inclusive Access
Currently, the KYC process involves a live photo capture that requires the person to blink their eyes. This presents an insurmountable barrier for acid attack survivors.
The Supreme Court has instructed the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to revamp the digital KYC process for acid attack survivors, ensuring it accommodates their unique challenges. This decision comes after a petition highlighted that the current verification process, required for opening bank accounts or accessing Government schemes, poses a significant hurdle for survivors due to permanent eye damage.
KYC Process Inaccessible for Acid Attack Survivors
Currently, the KYC process involves a live photo capture that requires the person to blink their eyes. This presents an insurmountable barrier for acid attack survivors, many of whom suffer irreversible damage to their eyes, making compliance with this requirement impossible. The petitioners argued that the existing process fails to take into account the physical and psychological trauma endured by these individuals.
In response, the Supreme Court emphasised the need for a more inclusive solution, urging the authorities to create a viable alternative for acid attack survivors. The court also highlighted the urgency of addressing accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities and people in remote areas when accessing digital services.
The Court's ruling underscores the importance of digital services as an extension of fundamental rights, particularly the right to equality and the right to live with dignity. The justices noted that no individual should be excluded from the digital ecosystem simply because of a disability or physical condition.
The Court has called on the Central Government and RBI to act swiftly in formulating the new digital KYC process, ensuring that it is sensitive to the needs of those affected by acid attacks and other disabilities. This move aims to bridge the gap in access to essential services, making the digital world more inclusive.
Government's Next Steps: Accessibility at the Forefront
As part of the order, the Court has also directed the Government to take broader measures to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes reviewing and modifying digital services to ensure they are usable by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or geographical location. The decision serves as a crucial step toward creating a more equitable digital landscape for all citizens.
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