Rajive Raturi v. Union of India - Public Space and Transportation Accessibility

Mr. Rajive Raturi, a visually-challenged human rights advocate, filed Writ Petition (Civil) No. 243 of 2005 in the Supreme Court of India, seeking directions to make public spaces, transport, and related infrastructure accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). This landmark case spanned nearly 20 years, from 2005 to 2024, making it one of the longest-running accessibility cases in India. The petitioner sought comprehensive accessibility improvements across India's public infrastructure, including: - Public transportation systems (buses, trains, metro) - Public buildings and spaces - Streets and sidewalks - Government facilities - Related infrastructure The case was finally resolved in November 2024, with the Supreme Court issuing directions to ensure accessibility across public infrastructure. This case represents a significant milestone in India's disability rights movement and has influenced accessibility policy and implementation across the country. The lengthy duration of the case reflects both the complexity of implementing accessibility across India's vast infrastructure and the persistence required to achieve systemic change.