New Delhi, 24 March 2005
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Justice A.S. Anand has asked the Chief Justices of all the High Courts to check whether there exists the practice of persons with disabilities being made to remove their shoes when they are produced in court.
In a recent letter addressed to all the Chief Justices, Justice Anand added that the existence of this practice was brought to the notice of the Commission during its meeting with the Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police held on 14 December 2004 in New Delhi. On that occasion, he said, it was pointed out by the representative of the Government of Karnataka that when persons with disabilities are produced in the Court, they are made to remove their shoes. In the case of physically challenged persons and in particular those persons with artificial legs and who use wheel chairs, this requirement causes serious difficulties to them. In his letter Justice Anand requested the Chief Justices to take appropriate steps to avoid difficulties suffered by persons with disabilities due to such a practice, if it is prevalent in the courts in their respective States.
The Commission has always been deeply concerned about the rights of persons with disabilities and has been recommending measures to various authorities from time to time for better protection and promotion of their rights.
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