Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Accessibility
  • Karnataka courts inaccessible says audit report, disability rights groups agree

Karnataka courts inaccessible says audit report, disability rights groups agree

Accessibility August 8, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
0

A recent pan-India study has found that courts in Karnataka fare poorly when it comes to access to people with disabilities. Disability rights groups agree and are asking the government to finally do something about it.

When Narasimhaiah, a senior citizen in Bengaluru, had to visit a city court for a civil case, he underwent nothing less than an ordeal. A visually impaired man, Narasimhaiah says he struggled every single time as there were no Braille facilities in the court. Given the various chambers, he had to depend on someone else to move around.

Narasimhaiah’s is not an isolated experience. This is commonly voiced by people with disabilities who come to the courts across Karnataka. Now a study by the Vidhi Centre for Legal policy, Tata Trusts and Jaldi has highlighted the poor arrangements in terms of accessibility, be it barrier-free facilities, display of information, security, and others. The score given to Karnataka is 54 out of 100. That this is the state of affairs over two years after the RPWD Act, 2016 came into effect is a shame.

Madhu Singhal, who is visually impaired and heads an NGO called Mitra Jyoti says its high time officials look at a wider perspective and did not stop at wheelchair ramps alone.

Accessibility starts from initiating case proceedings in a disabled-friendly manner to having accessible websites, books and other infrastructure. Ensuring that there are wheelchair ramps or Braille signage does not complete accessibility tests. Half of the visually impaired people do not know how to read Braille. So it is high time that government enhances technological features like introduction of audio facilities and so on. I can say that no courts in Karnataka are fully accessible or disabled-friendly. – Madhu Singhal, Founder, Mitra Jyoti.

The study was conducted on over 290 people with disabilities from across 29 districts in the state. Court premises in districts like Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and Yadgir have a long way to do. Websites are not up the mark which people with disabilities struggle to access information. 28 court complexes had access to public transport while others had exclusive parking spots for people with disabilities. But 93% of those who visit the court find it hard to move around and need help.

Another struggle faced by most disabled people are the long waiting hours at courts. There is no system to provide speedy justice. And given the lack of accessible washrooms and waiting areas, this becomes a problem.

“Many people with disabilities find it hard to wait for their cases at courts”, says Bonny Karyappa, a lawyer from Karnataka. “They get upset and demand a speedy trial but the court has many pending cases. Officials don’t know how to handle them and I believe it is due to sheer lack of awareness about disability laws”.

For people like Narasimhaiah, the struggle is compounded by official apathy. “Officials have no time to hear our problems because they are busy with their work. It is very difficult to move around”.

The report, it is hoped will make the government step up and finally look at making official buildings accessible, a key provision of the RPWD Act.

ALSO READ: Kerala government introduces exclusive courts to handle cases for disabled people

Watch in Sign Language

0

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Read more on Newz Hook

  • Get-hooked
    Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day
  • Education,Employment
    A STEPPING STONE TO COVETED CAREERS
  • Get-hooked,Headlines
    Celebrate Achievers with Disabilities with us today
  • Get-hooked
    “UK needs a National Disability Strategy, co-produced with disabled people” – Disability rights champion Kush Kanodia

Contribue to Newz Hook. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature your inspiring story or share an event with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Related News

Kush Kanodia carrying the torch at the 2020 London Paralympics

Get-hooked

“UK needs a National Disability Strategy, co-produced with disabled people” – Disability rights champion Kush Kanodia

Matthew Walzer is wearing a blue shirt

Uncategorized

Matthew Walzer’s letter continues to make an impact nearly 10 years later

Christine Ha has covered her eyes and the words how you see me are on the back of her hand

Get-hooked

Blind MasterChef winner Christine Ha is the face of month-long campaign this International Women’s Day

Invite to the telecast & webstreaming of the 2021 CavinKare Ability Awards at 7pm today.

Get-hooked

Celebrate Achievers with Disabilities with us today

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Get-hooked

'Be yourself, respect people around you' - My Take by Pragya Singh, acid attack survivor

Get-hooked

#LovePossible - What happened when Satendra Singh met his Paro

Coronavirus-news

Inclusive dance video ‘Narthana’ from Aasman Foundation is winning hearts of viewers!

Get-hooked

#ChampionswithCP - Every barrier is a reason to strive harder for Dr Riitesh Sinha, innovator with cerebral palsy

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook is a media site focusing on Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight stories that share insights into the lives of people with disabilities, offer solutions and create collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who share knowledge about disability, inclusion & accessibility.

Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.