The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to provide data on the number of life insurance policies issued to persons with autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger’s syndrome.

A Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Action for Autism, seeking systemic measures to protect the rights of persons with neurodivergent conditions, including autism, dyslexia and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

During the hearing, counsel for IRDAI informed the Court that the regulator had already issued two circulars regarding insurance coverage for persons with autism. The circulars were also placed on record along with IRDAI’s response to the petition.

The Bench, however, wanted to know whether such policies were actually being issued to persons with autism.

The Court therefore directed IRDAI to collect and place on record data showing the number of life insurance policies issued by both public and private insurance companies to persons with autism, cerebral palsy and Asperger’s syndrome.

“Counsel for IRDAI to seek instructions by way of preparing data” on the number of such policies issued by public and private sector insurers, the Court ordered, directing that the information be placed on record before the next hearing.

The PIL, filed in 2025, highlights various barriers faced by neurodivergent persons in healthcare, education, employment, financial services and insurance. It seeks measures to ensure that existing disability-rights protections are effectively implemented.

The Supreme Court had earlier sought the Union government’s response to the plea. The proceedings have now also expanded to the issue of insurance coverage available to persons with neurodivergent conditions.