C. KATHIRAVAN Vs. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Contending inter alia that he is suffering with disability of 75% to 100% ''Hearing Impairment'' and though a representation, dated 26.10.2015, has been made, to issue a National Identity Card, the same has not issued, Writ of Mandamus is sought for, by the writ petitioner, directing the District Collector, Virudhunagar District and the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, Welfare Office, Virudhunagar, the respondents 1 and 2, to issue National Identity Card to him.

(2.) Finding that there exists some public interest in the matter, vide order, dated 02.02.2016, the Writ Court, directed the Registry to place the matter before this Bench and thus, it is listed before us.

(3.) Learned Special Government Pleader, took notice. Mr. K.M. Kanagaraj, District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, Virudhunagar District, has submitted a Note, containing enclosures. According to him, as per Sec. 2(t) of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, a person suffering from not less than 40% of any disability, as certified by a Medical Authority, is eligible for National Identity Card. Sec. 2(i) of the said Act classifies various disablements, viz., (i) blindness; (ii) low vision; (iii) leprosy -cured; (iv) hearing impairment; (v) loco motor disability; (vi) mental retardation; and (vii) mental illness;