Deaf and Mute Lawyer Advocates Landmark Case in Supreme Court via Sign Language
In a groundbreaking development, the Supreme Court recently witnessed a historic moment as a deaf and mute lawyer argued a case using sign language. Sara Sunny, the courageous lawyer, appeared before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, accompanied by her interpreter, Saurabh Roy Choudhary, who conveyed her arguments through sign language.
The journey to this momentous event was not without obstacles. Initially, the control room managing the virtual proceedings hesitated to provide screen space for Sara Sunny. However, after Chief Justice Chandrachud’s intervention, both Sunny and her interpreter were given the platform they deserved to present their arguments before the Supreme Court.
Sara Sunny’s remarkable appearance was made possible through the efforts of advocate-on-record Sanchita Ann. This development aligns with Chief Justice Chandrachud’s relentless pursuit of equal access to justice. Last year, he took the initiative to conduct an accessibility audit of the Supreme Court complex, aiming to identify and overcome the challenges faced by differently-abled individuals within the justice system.
It is noteworthy that Chief Justice Chandrachud himself is the adoptive father of two differently-abled daughters, further emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity. Earlier this year, he delighted everyone in the Supreme Court by bringing his daughters for a memorable tour of his workplace, explaining the court’s functioning and his role to them.
This moment holds significant meaning for promoting true inclusivity and accessibility within the Indian legal system. Sanchita Ann commented, The significance of this moment ties in with the challenges that remain on the path to true inclusivity and accessibility within the Indian legal system. She further stressed the role of the administration in expanding the reach of sign language.
In another encouraging development, the Supreme Court recently employed sign language interpreters for the first time during its two-day national stakeholders consultation on child protection. Moreover, the event’s invitation and program details were issued in Braille to facilitate reading for the visually impaired. This annual event was organized by the Supreme Court Committee on Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare.
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s establishment of the Supreme Court committee on accessibility highlights his commitment to understanding and addressing the hardships faced by differently-abled individuals. Through national stakeholder consultations, the Supreme Court engages with partners from the Women and Child Development Ministry, other government sectors, and national and state commissions for the protection of children’s rights.
These recent developments mark significant milestones in the journey toward inclusivity and accessibility within the Indian legal system. The use of sign language and Braille, coupled with Chief Justice Chandrachud’s commitment, represents a positive step forward in ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
As societal attitudes continue to evolve, embracing inclusivity and accessibility is imperative. The legal system must adapt and embrace these changes to uphold justice and cater to the needs of diverse individuals.
The Supreme Court’s efforts to include different perspectives and accommodate individuals with disabilities act as a beacon, illuminating the path for further advancements in the field of accessibility and inclusivity. As the legal system continues to evolve, it is crucial to prioritize the rights and needs of every citizen, dismantling barriers to justice and promoting a society that values and empowers all individuals equally.
