On September 2, 2024, around 100 differently abled individuals from Usilampatti taluk in Tamil Nadu staged a sit-in protest at the Usilampatti Revenue Divisional Office. They demanded employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which, according to the 2013 Special Operations guidelines, requires that work be allocated based on individuals' abilities.

Despite their peaceful demands for job allotment from revenue officials, the Usilampatti police detained the protesters. They were released later that evening. The incident has attracted significant media coverage, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by differently abled persons in accessing employment opportunities. In light of this situation, an urgent appeal has been made for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take suo moto cognizance under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, and to initiate an independent inquiry through its investigation wing.