The Sindh High Court’s constitutional bench has ordered appointing a blind lawyer, Syed Sadiq Hussain, as a judicial magistrate under the Sindh Judicial Services Rules.
The landmark decision was made in response to Hussain’s petition to relax recruitment rules due to his visual impairment.
The court ordered the authorities to ensure that Hussain was appointed within four weeks. He should be accommodated in the next available role if no positions are currently available. The bench highlighted that Hussain is a practising lawyer who relies on legal work for his livelihood, and the administrative committee will establish his seniority.
The case dates back to a recruitment advertisement published for judicial magistrates on December 1, 2014. Hussain cleared the selection process but was denied a medical fitness certificate due to his visual impairment. He was advised to seek relief from the Sindh High Court regarding the medical requirements.
Despite applying with the court registrar, no action was taken. Hussain then petitioned the court to allow relaxation in the medical fitness criteria, leading to the recent ruling.
The court also ordered copies of the judgment to be sent to the Sindh High Court’s law secretary and registrar to ensure compliance. This decision marks a significant step toward inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the judicial system.
