In a significant escalation in the case involving alleged discrimination against 23-year-old autistic student Manav Singh Bhinder, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Karnataka, has issued a formal notice and summons to the Vice-Chancellor of Azim Premji University. The action, taken on 3rd December 2025, coincided with the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, marking a symbolic milestone in the family’s fight for accountability.

Manav, a high-achieving student from Chandigarh, entered the university with additional medical conditions, including psoriasis and IBS. During his tenure, his health worsened due to heightened anxiety and inadequate accommodations. He was later diagnosed with autoimmune celiac disease, F2 liver fibrosis, ADHD (by PGIMER, Chandigarh), and depression, assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

His mother, Sharmita Bhinder, alleges the university failed to recognize these evolving needs, citing delays in subject allocation, non-acceptance of medical leave, social exclusion, and the lack of celiac-safe food as key contributors to his deteriorating well-being. This occurred despite Manav’s exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements, including 91.5% in CBSE, participation in over 145 MUNs, Trinity College certifications, and eight years of theatre experience.

After months of waiting, Sharmita received confirmation that the Karnataka Disability Commissioner has taken cognizance of her complaint and summoned the university to formally respond. The notice directs the Vice-Chancellor to appear and explain the circumstances surrounding Manav’s deregistration and the university’s handling of his disability-related needs under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.

Calling the summons a long-awaited step, Sharmita said:

“Receiving this notice on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities meant something. It acknowledged that my son’s rights matter. Inclusion cannot be limited to brochures it must reflect in how institutions treat neurodivergent students.”

The matter will now be heard before the Karnataka Disability Commissioner, where the university is required to justify its actions under statutory law. The proceedings are expected to review institutional responsibility, accommodation practices, and potential violations of the RPwD Act setting a legal precedent for disability rights in higher education.