The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

This edition of The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Act 49 of 2016, dated 28-12-2016, w.e.f. 19-4-2017; vide SO 1215(E), dated 19-4-2017), as amended by the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017 (4 of 2018), dated 8-1-2018, serves as a complete and authoritative statutory reference for legal practitioners, students, policymakers, disability-rights professionals, and institutional stakeholders. Updated through 2026, this Bare Act with short comments presents the precise legislative text without interpretative alterations, ensuring reliability for examination use, legal research, and compliance requirements.

This edition also incorporates the latest allied rules, notifications, and guidelines essential for understanding and implementing the rights-based framework for persons with disabilities in India, including:

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2017 (GSR 591(E), dated 15-6-2017)
As amended vide GSR 649(E), dated 16-10-2024, w.e.f. 18-10-2024

• The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act, 1999
As amended by Act No. 35 of 2018, dated 29-12-2018

• The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Rules, 2000
As amended vide GSR 410(E), dated 27-4-2018, w.e.f. 27-4-2018

• The National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2013
As amended vide GSR 1103(E), dated 30-11-2016, w.e.f. 30-11-2016

• The Delhi Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rules, 2018
[dated 27-12-2018, w.e.f. 28-12-2018]

• Guidelines for Evaluation and Assessment of Autism and Procedure for Certification

• Guidelines for the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, 2021

Covering the full statutory scope of the rights, protections, entitlements, and institutional mechanisms established under the 2016 Act, this edition is particularly valuable for:

• Law students and AIBE aspirants requiring an up-to-date, accurate base text
• Legal professionals and litigators handling disability-rights matters
• Government authorities and welfare institutions implementing statutory schemes
• NGOs, disability advocates, and accessibility specialists
• Researchers and academicians studying disability law and policy

With thorough updates and essential supplementary material, this 2026 edition provides a dependable, comprehensive legal resource for all stakeholders working to uphold and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in India.