My daughters have transformed how I see the world and engage with it: CJI Chandrachud
The State must ensure that children with disabilities were provided additional safeguards, recognizing the heightened risks and unique challenges they faced, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said here on Saturday.
Addressing the 9th National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Child Protection, the CJI said, “We must ensure that our legal, social, and institutional systems are designed not just to accommodate, but to actively protect and empower these children.”
Justice Chandrachud, who also launched a ‘Handbook Concerning Persons Disability Rights', said it must be ensured that the justice system, from the police stations to the courtrooms, understands and responds to the compounded vulnerabilities of children with disabilities.
Noting that this year’s theme, i.e., the protection and well-being of children with disabilities held a special place in his heart, the CJI said, “As someone who fosters two wonderful young daughters (with special needs), I am reminded daily of the joy, purpose, and love they bring into my life. They have transformed not only how I see the world but also how I engage with it -- strengthening my commitment to creating a more inclusive society where every child, regardless of their abilities, is cherished and protected.”
He said, “The challenges faced by persons with disabilities extend far beyond issues of physical accessibility. They must also contend with entrenched societal biases, stereotypes, and misconceptions that permeate nearly every facet of life.
“These barriers are particularly pronounced when it comes to children, whose futures depend on our willingness to challenge these limitations. For children in conflict with the law, these challenges can be even more severe, as they navigate a system that may not recognize their unique vulnerabilities. In the United States, studies show that as many as 70% of youth who enter the justice system have a mental health, sensory or learning disability.”
Justice Chandrachud said, “We must prioritize improving data collection systems within the Juvenile Justice framework. Data is the foundation for meaningful reforms, enabling policymakers to develop tailored interventions, measure their impact, and adapt strategies accordingly. Without it, children with disabilities will continue to fall through the cracks, unseen and underserved.”He said, “We must ask ourselves: Are our justice systems flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of children with disabilities? Are we building a system that seeks to rehabilitate rather than criminalize, to include rather than marginalize, and to empower rather than limit? We owe it to all children to ensure that the answers to these questions are a resounding "yes".”
The CJI sought to highlight that “Disability often intersects with other marginalized identities such as gender, caste, socio-economic status, and ethnicity, amplifying the discrimination children face.”
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi, Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Committee Chairperson Justice BV Nagarathna and Country representative of Unicef, India Cynthia McCaffrey also addressed the inaugural session of the two-day consultation. Justice Nagarathna said policies must focus on removing barriers for differently-abled children.
