From Entry to Equity: Strengthening Accessibility in Court Infrastructure and Processes in India

A fundamental gap exists between policy intent and on-ground reality in ensuring accessibility within India’s judicial system. Despite strong legal backing under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and recent Supreme Court directions, significant barriers persist across physical infrastructure, procedures, and digital systems—particularly in district courts—due to weak enforcement, fragmented accountability, and limited inter-ministerial coordination.

While initiatives like e-courts and virtual hearings have improved access, they remain insufficient to address core systemic challenges. The report reframes accessible courts as critical economic infrastructure, highlighting how reducing barriers can improve efficiency, unlock capital, and strengthen institutional trust. Overall, it calls for a shift from fragmented compliance to enforceable standards, integrated systems, and user-centric design, positioning accessibility as central to both equitable justice and inclusive economic growth.