A judge’s gesture for disabled litigants at Egmore Court

In an uncommon yet deeply compassionate gesture that has resonated with both litigants and members of the Bar, a District Judge at the Egmore Commercial Court complex frequently steps out of her first-floor courtroom to conduct hearings in a makeshift courtroom on the ground floor for disabled persons who are unable to access the court hall.

The court hall is located on the first floor of a heritage building, involving a steep climb, and persons with mobility impairment find it difficult to ascend the stairs. Taking note of their inconvenience and respecting their fundamental right to justice, Deepthi Arivu Nidhi, Principal Judge, Commercial Court in Egmore, decided to step out of her formal courtroom to ensure that their cases could proceed without hindrance.

The judge has served in various capacities and has acquired vast experience in civil, criminal, and administrative work.

The courts are being refurbished now to make them easier to access.

Describing the gesture as one of humility and empathy, a court official said: “She does not hesitate. She simply says, ‘Bring the file down,’ and trots down to the ground floor to hear the cases.”

Advocates and disabled litigants have praised the judge’s action, calling it a much-needed reminder that justice must be accessible to all. “This is more than a legal act. It is a message that the doors of justice are open, not just in theory but in practice,” said Durai Kannan, president of Egmore Court Advocates’ Association. A member of the Bar, who appears frequently in this court to represent disabled clients, commented that ”the humane and kind gesture“ was appreciable.

This has also renewed conversations about the need for accessible infrastructure in public buildings, including courts. Activists hope this act will serve as a catalyst for policy-level changes to better accommodate persons with disabilities.

“The judge has ensured that the rights of disabled persons are protected. The access to justice will be complete only when the entire justice system is disabled-friendly,” said T.M.N. Deepak, social worker and disability rights activist.