The Orissa High Court (HC) has asked the State Medical Board to ensure a videography facility so that it can record assessment procedures while issuing disability certificates to deserving beneficiaries.

The HC said, “Videography of the assessment procedure would not only aid in digitalisation of databases, but also act as evidence when the procedure concerned is challenged by an aggrieved person on grounds of fairness and appropriateness.”

The Board is the appellate body for reassessment of disabilities following evaluation by district medical authorities. On July 11 (Monday), the HC issued the order, dismissing a batch of petitions that had challenged the Board’s stand on the petitioner’s disability, assessed by the district medical authority. While in some cases, the district medical authority had certified 70% disability, the Board had reassessed it to be 40%.

The single-judge bench of Justice S K Panigrahi said the court was not inclined to entertain the petitions in the absence of any legal or enforceable right on part of the petitioners. Accordingly, all the writ petitions stand dismissed, the July 11 order said.

However, Justice Panigrahi added that the Board is required to be equipped with the videography facility and the Board must be meticulous while re-assessing the disabilities pertaining to specific body parts.

“The entire procedure must be recorded digitally through high-resolution photographs and videos. Video recording of the procedure will ensure accuracy of the record. Further, by preserving matters, which are not apparent from the written record, judges can form a better view of the case and that would lead to better appreciation of evidence for a rational conclusion. The judge can also focus on a close-up of the procedure to ascertain the validity of the disability certificate. These must be replayed without any hassle,” said Justice Panigrahi.

Om Prakash
E-mail: amaadhikar@gmail.com