Specially challenged have equal rights: Acting Chief Justice

Visakhapatnam: Acting Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana High Court Ramesh Ranganathan said mentally challenged should get all the rights as per the Constitution.

Addressing a workshop on the Mentally ill and Mentally Disabled Persons Act-2015 in the city on Saturday, the Acting Chief Justice said that they have right to own property and live a life of dignity. They also have equal rights like normal human beings. However, due to the lack of awareness, they are facing problems to get legal aid, the Chief Justice pointed out.

Collector Pravin Kumar disclosed that several departments identifying the mentally challenged and helping them to get legal aid. Several NGOs have also working for their welfare. The Collector informed that 10 acres of land was allotted to construct a Special Sports Stadium exclusively for mentally challenged sports persons in the district.

District Judge Justice PV Jyothirmai called upon the establishments, hospitals, NGOs, officials, advocates and general public in particular to understand the Act and rights of the mentally challenged to assist them when they need legal aid.

Commissioner of Police T Yoganand, secretary District Legal Services Authority S Damodara Rao, Professor of Government Hospital for Mental Care Radharani, senior advocate and president of Forum for Legal Professionals Kuppili Muralidhar also spoke. A large number of mentally challenged children and their parents, advocates, police and senior citizens were present.