10 Nov 2023 5:57 AM GMT
In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility, Chief Justice of India Dr DY Chandrachud, inaugurated the 'Mitti Cafe' in the Supreme Court premises today. The Mitti Cafe, a unique initiative, is entirely run by specially-abled staff. The inauguration ceremony of Mitti Cafe featured a rendition of the National Anthem in sign language.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud expressed his enthusiasm for this joint venture. He revealed that Mitti Cafe has established 38 cafes across the country and had served six million meals during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, "I hope you all support us in this venture. All who are managing it are disabled."
Rendition of the National Anthem in sign language by differently abled children in #SupremeCourt during the inauguration of “Mitti Cafe”. https://t.co/RINaYiOmet pic.twitter.com/il9NIyfggG
Attorney General R Venkataramani also commended the initiative, recognizing it as a symbol of great compassion.
Pictures from the inauguration ceremony.#SupremeCourtofIndia pic.twitter.com/GddD4T8Uwo
Just last year, the CJI had called for a comprehensive Accessibility audit of the Supreme Court premises. The goal was to make the justice system more accessible and to understand the challenges faced by specially-abled individuals in their interactions with the Supreme Court of India. Even during open court sessions, CJI Chandrachud has consistently voiced his mission to transform courts across the country into welcoming spaces for lawyers and litigants with disabilities.