Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the critical need to address existing social inequalities within public spaces, especially within the judicial system. His remarks came during a program held after the foundation stone laying ceremony of the new Telangana High Court building in Rajendranagar, where he also inaugurated 32 e-service centers in the state.

In his address, CJI Chandrachud highlighted that public spaces often mirror the prevailing social disparities in society. He pointed out that even the foundational frameworks of institutions can inadvertently perpetuate exclusionary practices. For instance, he cited the absence of essential facilities like toilets for women, ramps for the disabled, crèches for young mothers, and breastfeeding rooms as subtle signs of exclusion within public spaces.

The Chief Justice underscored the significance of constructing new foundational frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. He stressed that such efforts are not solely beneficial for lawyers and judges but also aim to serve the broader segments of society. CJI Chandrachud has been vocal about the pervasive inequality in society and consistently advocates for measures to address these disparities.

One of the key issues highlighted by CJI Chandrachud is the digital divide prevalent in India, where not everyone has access to digital resources. He pointed out that while e-service centers can streamline processes, the lack of universal access to technology remains a barrier. Not every lawyer possesses a smartphone, and not every citizen has a laptop, underscoring the importance of bridging this digital gap.

Accessibility to justice was another crucial aspect emphasized by the Chief Justice. He noted that the absence of disabled-friendly parking spaces in court premises signals a broader issue of accessibility within the judicial system. CJI Chandrachud emphasized the need to remove barriers and create a more inclusive environment to ensure that justice is accessible to all members of society.

The program was attended by esteemed legal luminaries, including Justice Narasimha, Justice SV Bhatti, Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, and Chief Justice Alok Aradhe of the Telangana High Court. The event served as a platform to highlight the importance of addressing social inequalities within public spaces, particularly within the realm of justice, and reaffirmed the commitment of the judiciary towards fostering inclusivity and accessibility for all.