Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the “Accessibility Help Desk” and “Media Enclosure” at the Supreme Court Complex on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of these facilities in making the court accessible to all.
“We’ve opened an accessibility help desk; this is in continuation of our mission, which began with the submission of our report by the committee chaired by Justice Ravindra Bhatt,” said CJI Chandrachud, highlighting the role of the committee in suggesting improvements for people with special needs, including senior citizens and pregnant women.
“Now, we have a one-stop facility where all the services will be available. This is just the beginning; we are implementing the other recommendations made by the committee, which consists of experts and stakeholders,” he added.
CJI Chandrachud also addressed the issue of media coverage, expressing concern that camerapersons have no place to sit while covering Supreme Court proceedings. He hoped that the new facilities would provide a much-needed space for the media to work comfortably.
“I was always worried about the fact that the camerapersons have no place to sit. I hope this will be a special facility where all of you can sit and do your work without being exposed to the elements like the heat of the summer or rain,” he said.
The event was attended by companion judges of the top court and other dignitaries. Last year, Chief Justice Chandrachud inaugurated Mitti Cafe, run by an NGO on the Supreme Court premises in the national capital, which is completely staffed by specially-abled individuals.