Supreme Court seeks data on life insurance policies issued to persons with autism, cerebral palsy

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to place on record data on the number of life insurance policies issued to persons with autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger’s syndrome [Action for Autism vs. Union of India].

A Bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Action for Autism.

The plea seeks systemic reforms to protect and promote the rights of persons with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, dyslexia and Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

During the hearing today, counsel appearing for the IRDAI told the Court that two circulars had already been issued concerning the provision of insurance to persons with autism. The circulars had also been placed on record along with IRDAI’s counter-affidavit.

The Court, however, sought to know whether life insurance policies had actually been issued to persons with autism.

The Court subsequently directed IRDAI to obtain instructions and prepare data showing the number of life insurance policies issued to persons with autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger’s syndrome.

"Counsel for IRDAI to seek instructions by way of preparing data insofar as the number of policies that have been issued by both public sector as well as private sector insurance companies to insure the life of persons suffering from autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger’s syndrome, and place the status/data on record by the next date of hearing," ordered the Court.

The petition, filed in 2025, seeks broad systemic measures to ensure that existing disability-rights protections translate into effective safeguards and support for neurodivergent persons.

The petition raises concerns about barriers faced by neurodivergent persons in areas including healthcare, education, employment, financial services and insurance.

The Court had earlier sought the Union government's response to the plea.

The proceedings have since expanded to include issues concerning insurance coverage of neurodivergent persons.

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