In a historic first, India's Supreme Court appoints sign language interpreter for hearing-impaired lawyer
Historically, the Supreme Court has never appointed an interpreter at its own expense.
India's Supreme Court on Friday appointed a sign language interpreter for a hearing-impaired lawyer, Sarah Sunny. Historically, the Supreme Court has never appointed an interpreter at its own expense.
"We have an interpreter today for Sarah. In fact, we are thinking that for the constitution bench hearings we will have an interpreter so that everyone can follow", Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.
The interpreter was seen in the virtual hearing window along with Advocate Sarah Sunny.
"This is truly historic and momentous. It shows the diversity in true sense in this court," said a Senior Advocate who was incidentally present in the court.
The interpreter was seen interpreting the proceedings for Sarah, who was appearing virtually. After the matter in which Sarah was appearing was taken, CJI told her, "Sarah, I hope this was intelligible to you and you were able to understand what was going on in the court.".
"Yes sir, she says it was very helpful." the interpreter replied.
Sarah had earlier filed an application before the Supreme Court requesting a court-appointed Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter to assist her. She is said to be the first hearing-impaired advocate in India.
