The new government office in Kolhapur is not accessible to my wheelchair, can I complain under the state accessible buildings law?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Accessible buildings are governed by Maharashtra Rent Control Act 1999 read with the central Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act applicable in Kolhapur. The Bombay High Court has held that all public buildings must provide barrier-free access within the notified period.

You can file a complaint with the state commissioner for disabilities. The commissioner can issue a direction to the public authority to make the building accessible.

The building bye-laws mandate ramps, lifts and accessible toilets for persons with disabilities. Non-compliance is punishable under the statute.

Failure to act on the complaint is challengeable before the Bombay High Court.