The Supreme Court has asked all states to 'scrupulously' follow the 2016 law on the rights of the persons with disabilities. A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra yesterday directed all States and Union Territories to file reports within 12 weeks regarding compliance of the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. <br/><br/>The court said, the States and UTs must realise that under the 2016 Act, their responsibilities have increased and the executing authorities must give effect to it with "quite promptitude". The court further said that the Act is a sea change in the perception and exhibits a march forward look with regard to persons with disabilities. The bench said the Act protects the rights and provide punishment for their violation. The top court fixed the matter for next hearing on August 16. <br/><br/>The court was hearing a plea by the Justice Sunanda Bhandare Foundation seeking direction to the Centre and all states to file reports on the status of implementation of the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.