The Supreme Court will conduct an audit of its premises to assess its accessibility to people with disabilities. This initiative, led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, aims to ensure that the justice system is accessible and to understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities when interacting with the apex court.
The audit aligns with the WHO’s 2022 theme of “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.”
On December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the CJI established the “Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility.” This committee is responsible for creating and distributing a questionnaire for people with disabilities who visit the Supreme Court premises.
The Committee, led by Justice S Ravindra Bhat, has been tasked with conducting an accessibility audit for both physical and technological access. It will also include a person with disabilities employed at the Supreme Court, a disabled Advocate nominated by the Supreme Court Bar Association, and a person nominated by the Centre for Disability Studies at NALSAR University of Law. An Officer of the Supreme Court Registry will serve as the Member Secretary.
