EPILEPSY AND THE INDIAN LAW

Discrimination hurts and causes deep wounds. Discrimination against persons with epilepsy and ignorance about the disorder exists worldwide. This is an overview of the problem experienced in the India. Discrimination is more pronounced when it comes to socialization, marriage, employment, driving and disability rights. Reasons why people do not want to socialize with persons with epilepsy are many: seizures can be terrifying, a belief that it is contagious, and spirit possession. Discrimination is most damaging when it comes from parents. When it comes from parents it more likely takes the form of overprotection rather than rejection. Not understanding the long-term nature of epilepsy, parents nurture a state of dependence. The negative effects of overprotection become evident when the child turns into a young adult. Parents then start complaining about their child’s behaviors and lack of independence. In both marriage and employment, being open about one’s epilepsy is automatically met with rejection