LI Network
Published on: December 22, 2023 at 11:43 IST
The Supreme Court has initiated a public consultation aimed at addressing and preventing the use of harmful stereotypes against persons with disabilities within the legal framework.
Building on its earlier initiative of the ‘Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes’ for legal professionals, the Supreme Court is now extending its commitment to inclusivity by developing a parallel handbook to combat prejudicial language and stereotypes concerning individuals with disabilities.
In 2023, the Supreme Court unveiled the ‘Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes’ to guide legal professionals in recognizing and avoiding detrimental language and stereotypes related to women.
Expanding this effort, the Supreme Court recognizes the need to raise awareness about challenges faced by persons with disabilities within the legal system, beyond addressing physical requirements. Overcoming stereotypes is crucial to ensuring fairness in legal proceedings, as biases can impact testimonies, recognition of rights, and the overall impartiality of outcomes.
Stereotypes often portray individuals with disabilities as less competent or reliable, influencing judicial proceedings unfairly. By actively dismantling these stereotypes and promoting a deeper understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities, the legal system can evolve into a more inclusive and just entity, reflecting the diversity of the society it serves.
This commitment not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also strengthens the integrity and equity of the legal system on a broader scale.
To engage diverse stakeholders and gather a comprehensive range of perspectives, the Supreme Court invites input on the following issues:
- Proposing inclusive terminology suitable for addressing Persons with Disabilities, encompassing their needs and the issues affecting them.
- Identifying inaccurate or harmful stereotypes about persons with disabilities contributing to discrimination, distorted legal reasoning, or denial of legal rights, along with strategies to counteract such stereotypes.
- Recommending primary legal materials and academic literature for formulating a Handbook on Combating Stereotypes concerning Persons with Disabilities.
Interested parties are encouraged to share their insights by completing the form available at the following link: https://forms.gle/bbyQGQ1VqZmyVXSo8
The deadline for submitting inputs is January 31, 2024.
