Specially Abled Lawyer Argues through Sign Language in Supreme Court

Sarah Sunny, who is India’s 1st lawyer to be registered as a practising deaf lawyer, has recently appeared in a Supreme Court proceeding.

Sunny appeared before the Supreme Court and watched court proceedings live with the help of a sign language interpreter, who assisted her in understanding everything.

Appearing for Sarah Sunny, Advocate on Record Sanchita Ain told the bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud that the interpreter should be allowed so that Sarah could comprehend the proceedings. Throughout the day in the courtroom, the interpreter, by way of sign language, explained the proceedings to Sarah.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appreciated the efforts made by the interpreter and stated that it was a welcome step.
Speaking to the media, AoR Sanchita Ain stated, “Sarah is a talented girl and she wants to pursue her dreams. I am only supporting her in whatever way I can. I always feel that India should have this kind of infrastructure developed for deaf people.”

Sanchita further added, “The hiring of an interpreter is not an easy and cost-effective thing in India. Today, Sarah appeared in the Meghalaya high court and she was very happy that she could attend court proceedings, even though virtually.”

Soon after the hearing, Sanchita quoted Sarah as stating, “With the help of interpretation, I can learn how to argue with confidence.”

Sanchita also mentioned that 2 interpreters are required to interpret the court proceedings because one can explain things through signs for only an hour. Also, she stated that an interpreter charges about Rs 1000 for an hour.

Media also reached out to Sarah, who replied, “It was a dream come true experience for me. I had a great desire to appear for a case in the highest court of the judiciary of our country, which I never expected so soon and that, too, accomplished in the presence of the Honourable Chief Justice of India. This gives me more confidence and guts. I want to be a role model for others who are specially-abled.”

Sarah stated that she was keen on gaining a better understanding of constitutional law, disability law, and human rights law so she could help people with the special abilities in a bid to encourage more people to enter the legal field.