This is a great initiative indeed. However, it would be even better if the Supreme Court intervenes with strictures to ensure that the Digital India that the Govt. is building is born inclusive and we are not left to fight for our space. I know that the battles are already on. I only hope that we still find our way in.
From: accessindia@accessindia.org.in <accessindia@accessindia.org.in> On Behalf Of pratap bisht Sent: 22 December 2023 10:40 To: accessindia@accessindia.org.in Subject: [AI] Supreme Court Initiates Public Consultation To Prevent Use Of Harmful Stereotypes Against Persons With Disabilities In Legal Setting https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-court-initiates-public-consultation-to-prevent-use-of-harmful-stereotypes-against-persons-with-disabilities-in-legal-setting-245126 Supreme Court Initiates Public Consultation To Prevent Use Of Harmful Stereotypes Against Persons With Disabilities In Legal Setting <https://www.livelaw.in/livelawnewsnetwork> <https://www.livelaw.in/livelawnewsnetwork> LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK 21 Dec 2023 4:20 PM GMT In 2023, the Supreme Court took a significant step by unveiling the 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes,' designed to assist legal professionals in recognizing and steering clear of detrimental language and stereotypes related to women. As an extension of its commitment to fostering accessible and inclusive courts, the Supreme Court now plans to launch a parallel handbook aimed at combating prejudicial language and stereotypes concerning individuals with disabilities. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, affords specific rights and benefits to individuals with disabilities, including those with significant support needs. However, to impart genuine meaning to these rights, it is imperative that the courts responsible for their enforcement are well-versed and attuned to the challenges confronted by persons with disabilities. This awareness goes beyond addressing only physical requirements; it necessitates a comprehension of and response to the diverse challenges that individuals with disabilities encounter within the legal system. Overcoming stereotypes about persons with disabilities is vital, as these biases can introduce unfairness into legal proceedings, impacting the impartiality of outcomes. Stereotypes frequently portray individuals with disabilities as less competent or reliable, unfairly influencing judicial proceedings, encompassing the credibility of testimonies and the recognition of rights and responsibilities in legal contexts. By actively dismantling these stereotypes and ensuring that courts are adept at understanding and supporting the needs of individuals with disabilities, the legal system can evolve into a more inclusive and just entity, mirroring the diversity of the society it serves. This commitment to accessibility and fairness not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also fortifies the integrity and equity of the legal system on a broader scale. To encourage the engagement of diverse stakeholders and garner the most comprehensive range of perspectives on the matter, the Supreme Court of India invites input on the following issues: 1. Proposing inclusive terminology suitable for addressing Persons with Disabilities, encompassing their needs and the issues affecting them. 2. Identifying inaccurate or harmful stereotypes about persons with disabilities that contribute to discrimination, distorted legal reasoning, or the denial of legal rights or benefits, along with strategies to counteract such stereotypes. 3. Recommending primary legal materials and academic literature that can be relied upon in formulating a Handbook on Combating Stereotypes concerning Persons with Disabilities. All interested parties are invited to share their insights by completing the form at the following link: <https://forms.gle/bbyQGQ1VqZmyVXSo8> https://forms.gle/bbyQGQ1VqZmyVXSo8. The final date for receiving inputs is 31 January 2024. Dr. Pratap Singh Bishtt -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to accessindia+unsubscr...@accessindia.org.in <mailto:accessindia+unsubscr...@accessindia.org.in> . To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/5B70AEDF-EF77-4B3A-AE99-FDCA14DFFDC3%40gmail.com <https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/5B70AEDF-EF77-4B3A-AE99-FDCA14DFFDC3%40gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> . -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. 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