Synopsis

The Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated 13th January 2026, allowed the appeal filed by Sujata Bora against Coal India Limited’s refusal to appoint her as a Management Trainee on grounds of disability. The Court reinforced the principles of reasonable accommodation, substantive equality, and intersectionality under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Constitution of India. It directed the creation of a supernumerary post for the appellant, emphasizing the state’s obligation to secure the right to work for persons with disabilities.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Case Title: Sujata Bora v. Coal India Limited & Others

Citation: 2026 INSC 53

Court: Supreme Court of India

Bench: Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan

Jurisdiction: Civil Appellate Jurisdiction

Civil Appeal No.: 120 of 2026

Nature of Bench: Division Bench (not a Constitutional Bench)

Date of Judgment: 13th January 2026

2. Legal Framework

The judgment extensively interprets and applies the following legal instruments:

• Statutory Law:
  Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act)
  Section 2(y): Definition of “reasonable accommodation”
  Section 2(ze): Definition of “universal design”
  Section 2(s): Definition of “person with disability”

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