PANKAJ SINHA vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court, while adjudicating a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, directed the Union of India and State Governments to conduct periodic national surveys on leprosy detection rates and to ensure the availability of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) drugs at all Primary Health Centres. The Court emphasized the need for awareness campaigns to combat stigma associated with leprosy and mandated non-discrimination in healthcare and education for leprosy-affected individuals. The Court also called for the formulation of rules under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 for evaluating disabilities related to leprosy.