Egmore Court Judge Ensures Accessibility for Disabled Litigants

Rapid summary

• A Principal District Judge at Egmore Commercial Court, Deepthi Arivu Nidhi, conducts hearings on the ground floor for disabled litigants unable too access her first-floor courtroom.
• the heritage building of the court hall involves a steep climb, posing challenges for people with mobility impairments.
• Initiating this measure demonstrates empathy and respect for the fundamental right to justice.
• Advocates and disabled litigants have praised her actions as a model of humility and accessibility within the legal system.
• The courts are currently undergoing refurbishment aimed at improving accessibility.
• This gesture has sparked discussions about creating more accessible infrastructure in public spaces, including courts.

indian Opinion Analysis

The actions of Principal Judge deepthi Arivu Nidhi represent a commendable effort to make justice accessible not just in principle but in practice. By adapting courtroom proceedings to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, she underscores an important issue: infrastructural barriers often hinder equitable access to justice. While personal gestures like hers are significant as immediate remedies, thay also highlight systemic flaws that require policy-level changes.

The ongoing refurbishment efforts signal recognition of these shortcomings, yet sustained advocacy will be required to ensure full accessibility across public institutions. Her example sets an ethical precedent that could drive broader reforms toward inclusive infrastructure design-for courts and beyond-and reaffirms societal commitment toward upholding rights for all citizens irrespective of physical limitations.

Read more: The Hindu

Image Credit: Special Arrangement