Leprosy is no longer incurable. Multidrug Therapy (MDT) completely cures the disease, making it non-contagious and non-virulent. Yet, the most persistent challenge for LCDPs remains the stigma that is legally and socially reinforced. Outdated laws, many still describing leprosy as “incurable,” “virulent,” and “infectious,” continue to deny LCDPs their dignity and rights. As of February 2023, more than 90 Acts with over 140 discriminatory provisions remain in force.
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, SAKSHAM Savita, in collaboration with Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, has led a nationwide advocacy campaign to repeal or amend these obsolete provisions. Over the past seven years, the team has engaged with policymakers, legal experts, and parliamentary committees, presenting detailed proposals to the Government of India. Between 2018 and 2022, the team met Hon’ble President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the then Hon’ble Minister for Law and Justice, and subsequently the Hon’ble Governors Shri R. N. Ravi (Tamil Nadu), Shri Rajendra Arlekar (Bihar) and policy makers. On 15th Feb, 2022, memorandums were also submitted by the team to Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons Shri. Sushil Kumar Modi (Law and Justice) and Smt. Rama Devi (Social Justice and Empowerment) urging immediate repeal of discriminatory laws.
To strengthen this advocacy, SAKSHAM Savita organized the National Advocacy Summit (NAS) on 12th February 2023 at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. The summit provided a platform to deliberate on the legal challenges faced by LCDPs and mobilize legal experts toward reform. Around 30 legal experts across India and senior health officials from Tamil Nadu, including Dr. V. Dharmalingam, Deputy Director of Medical Services, and Dr. S. Amutha, Additional Director of Medical Services, participated in the event.
The summit commenced with a welcome address by Shri K. Balaji, Advocate, High Court of Madras, followed by resolutions presented by Shri Siva Ramakrishna, NEC Invitee Member and Convenor, SAKSHAM. Dr. V. Dharmalingam emphasized the need for integrated medical and legal reforms. The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice Shri G.R. Swaminathan, High Court of Madras, highlighted the judiciary’s role in ensuring equality and ending systemic discrimination against LCDPs.
The summit concluded with remarks from Dr. S. Govindaraj, National President of SAKSHAM, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to this cause. Swami Dharmishthananda, Manager of Sri Ramakrishna Math, in his benedictory address, urged that discriminatory acts be amended without delay as complete cure is available since almost four decades and called upon organizations serving the leprosy-affected to unite for this noble cause. A souvenir was also released during the event. Resolutions advocating the repeal and amendment of discriminatory laws were passed and submitted to the Central and State Governments.