Inclusive Public Space Project
3. Types of Follow-Up Action
3.1 Reporting the Problem to Someone who Can Stop it Reoccurring
If the problem is caused by somebody who lives or works in your neighbourhood, consider letting them know about the problem and its impact on you. If you do not know them well, and are worried about how they might react, it is sensible to ask a friend, neighbour or other person to come with you. They might help explain the problem and advocate for you, or just be there to support you and give you confidence. Or, depending on the situation, you might prefer to ask them to speak to the person causing the problem without you being there at all.
If the problem is in a public space (e.g. a pavement), it is always worth raising the issue with your municipal corporation. You can identify your local corporation using this link:
https://igod.gov.in/leg/L008/organizations
For Delhi, reports can be made at []
For Pune, reports can be made at [] or phone (toll-free) 1800-1030-222
You are also able to register a complaint with the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities at https://ccpdcourt.gov.in/efiling or with your State’s Commissioner. Similarly, the National Human Rights Commission receives complaints at https://nhrc.nic.in/complaints/complaints/how-to-file-a-complaints or you can make a complaint to your State’s Commission which are listed here https://nhrc.nic.in/about-us/state-commission.
3.2 Working with Others to Take Collective Action
Is the problem something you want to work with others to change? If so, consider contacting and joining one or more organisations working to address problems of the relevant type. Different types of organisations are likely to be working on the issue – at national or local level. Examples are:
- Road safety organisations;
- Accessibility organisations
- Human rights organisations;
- Disabled People’s Organisations;
- Older people’s organisations;
- Parents’ organisations;
- Pedestrian or walking organisations;
- Local community or neighbourhood groups.
3.3 Raising Public Awareness
Mainstream Media:
- Local newspapers
- Local radio
- Local television
Social Media:
- Blue Sky
- Facebook Groups
3.4 Seeking the Help of People Elected to Public Office
You can also take action by seeking help from somebody whose role it is to represent you in their elected office.
Information regarding how to contact a Municipal Councillor can be found on each Municipal Corporation’s website.
At the national level, you can find your member of the Lok Sabha at:
3.5 Letting the Police Know about the Problem
If you think the problem amounts to a crime, report it to the police. Unless there is a real emergency you should not dial 112, but you can make a report to your local police service.
3.6 Bringing a Case for Discrimination
Some inaccessible situations may feel like discrimination. If you think you want to start a case for disability discrimination, it is worth seeking legal advice. Bringing a case, particularly without a lawyer, can be very demanding. It can also be expensive, although it doesn’t have to be.
The main providers of free legal aid are the Legal Services Authorities. You can apply for legal aid from the National Legal Services Authority at https://nalsa.gov.in/services/legal-aid/apply-for-legal-aid
You can also find the website for your state’s Legal Services Authority at https://www.india.gov.in/topics/law-justice/legal-aid and apply here instead.
The Department of Justice also manages a list of lawyers who offer pro bono services at https://serviceonline.gov.in/serviceLinkHome.html?serviceToken=GEnPsEv0YR546
3.7 Bringing a Case for a Civil Wrong
If you have been injured or suffered some kind of economic loss because of somebody’s lack of care, you might consider bringing an action for what is called ‘negligence’. To find out whether this is a possibility, you should seek legal advice. The sources of legal advice mentioned at the beginning of Section 3.6 above are good starting points for this type of claim, as well as for discrimination claims.