Recently, the Supreme Court of India, under the leadership of Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and the dedicated Committee on Accessibility, took a significant step forward. On October 16, 2023, the committee released an Audit Report addressing the physical and functional accessibility of the Supreme Court for individuals with disabilities.

Established by Chief Justice Chandrachud on November 28, 2022, the committee's recommendations aim to dismantle barriers and enhance access to the Supreme Court.

The report presents an in-depth study, conducted by the Committee on Accessibility,of the accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities, women-particularly
during pregnancy, and senior citizens in the Supreme Court of India. These issues fall into two key areas that require comprehensive examination: physical infrastructure and functional services. While the physical aspect relates to the tangible facilities and spaces, the functional aspect pertains to the operational elements and services provided.

Both dimensions were assessed to determine how well they meet the needs of our target groups, especially in vital areas like courtrooms, pathways, washrooms, drinking water facilities, waiting zones, parking facilities, administrative offices, IT services, mediation centre, mentioning branch, canteen and dedicated assistance.

Furthermore, the report briefly addresses the requirements delineated in The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention
and Control) Act, 2017, concentrating specifically on the special procedures in court for HIV-positive/protected persons.

To address these concerns, the report provides suggestions such as:

Introduce accessible route maps, accessible pathways, designated parking, and refurbishment of courtrooms and modifications/relocation of mentioning
office.

Provision of sign language interpretation, an option for persons with disabilities to request that all documents in a case must be accessible, regular updates on the processing of fresh cases, need for protocols for the mediation centre to enable participation of persons with disabilities, elderly, and pregnant woman, and establishment of a dedicated section for persons with disabilities in a registry and permanent accessibility committee.

Overhaul restrooms to ensure accessibility and modify drinking water facilities. Establishment of a lactation room, changing room and reserved seating in the auditorium.

Augmentation of IT services, website enhancements for broad accessibility, development of a separate webpage dedicated to accessibility and integrate assistive technologies. 

Implement an equal opportunity policy, fire safety measures, granting reasonable accommodations to lawyers with disabilities, and encouraging accessibility improvements across all facets of the Supreme Court.

Devise a framework to enable the de-identification of HIV-positive persons during legal proceedings to protect their identity. Additionally, prioritize cases of HIV-positive/protected persons.

Click here to Read/Download the Report