New Delhi: The Supreme Court Committee on Accessibility, chaired by Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, on Monday released its Audit Report on the physical and functional accessibility of the Supreme Court for persons with disabilities.

While the findings of the report have not been made available to the public yet, some of the recommendations it makes include introduction of battery operated vehicles, hydraulic lifts in courtrooms and auditoriums and reservation of seats for pregnant women, LiveLaw reported.

It suggests providing accessible tools like sign language interpretation and documents for individuals with disabilities. The report also called for sensitisation sessions and creation of dedicated service windows for senior citizens and those with disabilities.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud said that the functional accessibility for persons with disabilities had been rigorously assessed by the committee. There was also a special focus on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the court including lawyers, litigants and staff, LiveLaw reported.

The report also focuses on senior citizens, recognising that a significant number of advocates are senior citizens, CJI Chandrachud said.

Justice Bhat thanked members of the committee as well as various sub committees that had contributed to the report.

The study of the committee included physical audits, operational evaluations and questionnaires. In addition to assessing the physical infrastructure of the Supreme Court including courtrooms, washrooms, drinking water facilities, bathrooms, canteens, registrar courts, administrative offices, common facilities and libraries, the report also looks at accessibility to technology, LiveLaw reported.

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