CABE contributes to Disability Sensitization and Accessibility Training at Tis Hazari Court hosted by DJA

New Delhi, 08 April 2025

As a part of ongoing mandate of creating enabling environment, promoting accessibility and improving awareness on disability rights among the legal fraternity, the Delhi Judicial Academy hosted a training programme on “Creating Accessible Documents & Sensitization towards Persons with Disabilities” at the Tis Hazari District Courts Complex, Delhi earlier today.   

A series of these in-person training and sensitization programs are being held for the Chairpersons and Members of Accessibility Committees, Lawyers, Court Staff, and Nodal Officers appointed across all District Court Complexes of Delhi that started with the first program at District Court Tis Hazari, Delhi. 

The session was chaired by Mr. Mohd. Farrukh, DHJS, currently the Director (Administration) at the Delhi Judicial Academy.

Fig.1. Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,  delivering his session

While delivering his session, Mr. Subhash Chandra Vashishth,  Advocate and Director, CABE Foundation spoke on legal and institutional aspects of accessibility in the justice system particularly in light of the Delhi High Court judgement in Rakesh Kumar Kalra Deaf Divyang Vs. State of NCT Delhi dated 24 Aug 2023. He referred to the statutory obligations and pointed to implementation areas that require attention within the existing framework. As a part of sensitizing stakeholders towards the needs of persons with disabilities, he focussed on raising the awareness of participants on the relevant provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and Rules made thereunder and in general covering the following:

• Disability – Meaning, Scope and Kinds 
• Visible and Hidden Disabilities
• Ensuring Non-Discrimination and Dignity 
• Ableism, Using the appropriate language
• Persons with disabilities as lawyers, judges, plaintiff/respondent, complainant/ accused, witness, court staff, vendors, interns...
• Inclusive Court Infrastructure
• Ensuring Accessibility in built environment and related standards;
• Accessibility in digital environments and related standards;
• Other Rights and Remedies
• Challenges & Solutions

Fig. 2. Saurabh Goyal, DJS, speaking

Shri Saurabh Goyal, DJS from Dwarka District Court led the technical session on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Hon’ble eCommittee of the Supreme Court of India for preparing accessible documents.  He demonstrated how accessible documents can be created using standard tools and explained key techniques such as the use of headings, alt text, and readable formats etc. The SOP sets out methods for formatting and structuring digital documents so they can be accessed through assistive technologies such as screen readers. It also outlines practices to ensure that court communications remain usable by persons with visual or cognitive disabilities.

Fig. 3. Training Participants at the session

The session also included an overview of measures being implemented under the eCourts Project of the Supreme Court of India to improve accessibility in court systems. These measures involve the development of digital infrastructure with integrated accessibility features and the adaptation of existing platforms to meet inclusive standards.

The Delhi Judicial Academy will continue this training programme at other district court complexes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more..