Judiciary reforms for persons with special needs (PwSN) are essential to ensure equal access to justice, not just equal rights on paper. Below is a structured, India-specific and practical reform framework, keeping in mind mobility, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities.
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1. Physical & Infrastructure Reforms (Access to Courts)
Universal Design in Courts
Step-free access, ramps with correct gradient, wide corridors
Height-adjustable witness boxes and lawyer desks
Accessible washrooms on every floor
Reserved parking near court entrances
Vertical Mobility
Mandatory functional elevators in all court buildings
Priority lift access for PwSN and senior citizens
Courtroom Seating
Designated wheelchair spaces (not back benches)
Companion seating allowed without special permission
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2. Procedural & Legal Reforms
Priority & Flexible Hearings
Fast-track hearings for PwSN litigants
Fixed time slots to avoid long waiting hours
Option of adjournment without penalty if disability-related complications arise
Disability-Sensitive Procedures
Allow video conferencing by default for PwSN
Examination-in-chief via affidavit or VC
Relaxed rules for physical appearance unless strictly necessary
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3. Digital & Technological Reforms
Accessible E-Courts
Screen-reader friendly court websites
Voice-to-text filing options
Documents in accessible formats (audio, large print, Braille-ready)
Hybrid Justice Model
Hybrid courts (physical + virtual)
Remote testimony from home or assisted living facilities
Digital kiosks with accessibility features inside courts
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4. Communication & Sensory Accessibility
For Hearing Impaired
Sign language interpreters in courts
Real-time captioning of proceedings
Written summaries of oral orders
For Visually Impaired
Audio reading of judgments
Braille or DAISY format judgments
Voice-enabled case status updates
For Intellectual / Psychosocial Disabilities
Simplified legal language
Presence of legal guardians or support persons
Trauma-informed judicial processes
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5. Legal Representation & Aid
Specialized Legal Aid Cells
Dedicated Disability Justice Cells in every district court
Lawyers trained in disability law and reasonable accommodation
Mandatory Training
Disability rights and sensitivity training for:
Judges
Court staff
Prosecutors
Police (for remand & investigation stages)
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6. Policy & Legislative Reforms
Strengthen RPwD Act, 2016 Enforcement
Explicit penalties for courts failing to provide reasonable accommodation
Time-bound accessibility audits of courts
Representation in Judiciary
Reservation or horizontal inclusion of PwSN in:
Judicial services
Court administration
Assistive technology support for judges with disabilities
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7. Monitoring & Accountability
Accessibility Audits
Annual independent audits of court accessibility
Public dashboard showing compliance status
Grievance Redressal
Dedicated accessibility ombudsman in High Courts
Quick complaint resolution mechanism for PwSN litigants
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8. Economic & Social Support
Cost Relief
Waiver of court fees for PwSN
Travel and attendant cost reimbursement
Home-based oath commissions where required
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9. Cultural & Attitudinal Reform (Most Critical)
Shift from charity-based to rights-based justice
Treat accommodation as a legal entitlement, not a favor
Promote judicial empathy without compromising neutrality
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10. Vision Statement (Policy Level)
> “Justice delayed is injustice; justice inaccessible is denial.”
A disability-inclusive judiciary strengthens democracy itself.