Supreme Court Launches Accessibility Help Desk for Special Assistance

New Delhi- The Supreme Court of India has inaugurated a new help desk to ensure smooth functioning of various services at the apex court. The new initiative comes after the recommendations of a committee on accessibility.

The new 'accessibility help desk' and 'media enclosure' have been set up near the e-Sewa Kendra and the apex court's lawns. The help desk will provide assistance to people with disabilities, pregnant women, senior citizens and others who require special assistance.

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that the establishment of the help desk is a step towards ensuring that the Supreme Court is more accessible to all. "We have opened an accessibility help desk. This is a continuation of our mission which began with the submission of the report by the committee chaired by Justice Ravindra Bhat," the CJI said.

He said the new help desk is a 'one-stop facility' for people requiring assistance, 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 'media enclosure' facility 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.