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MP High Court Mandates Courtwide Audit to Boost Accessibility for Vulnerable Litigants
In a significant push for inclusive justice, the has directed its Registrar General to conduct and submit an audit report on facilities available to women, persons with disabilities, those suffering from chronic diseases, and senior citizens. The order, issued in Surendra Verma v. and Others (WP No. 34380 of 2025) on , by a of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf , underscores the court's commitment to removing barriers to court access.
From COVID Challenges to Courtroom Gaps: The PIL's Origins
The PIL, filed by , spotlights persistent infrastructure deficits in Madhya Pradesh's judicial ecosystem. Post-COVID-19, the High Court formed an in to tackle barriers for lawyers and litigants with disabilities. Yet, the petition argues many issues linger, including a single entry gate at the High Court premises—operational since —requiring Aadhaar verification amid long queues exposed to harsh weather without shade or shelter.
Petitioner Verma also invoked a ruling in Maatr Sparsh - An Initiative by Avyaan Foundation v. Union of India ( ), urging feeding rooms and childcare facilities via a , letter petition, followed by a reminder that went unheeded. Broader demands include ramps, lifts, seating, resting areas, and other essentials to uphold under , ensuring " ."
The , hearing allowed intervention by a specially-abled individual, amplifying voices from the ground.
Petitioner's Plea vs. Administration's Timeline: The Core Clash
Verma's arguments center on systemic failures denying equal access: women lack feeding and childcare spaces, disabled litigants face physical hurdles, and seniors or chronically ill endure undue hardships. He pressed for immediate directives to build inclusive infrastructure, citing the 's emphasis on such amenities.
Respondents, including the High Court (represented by ) and ( ), sought time—counsel for respondent No. 2 requested two days to file a reply, with rejoinder allowed within two weeks. No substantive counterarguments were detailed in the order, reflecting the early stage of proceedings.
Bridging Precedents and Principles: Toward Equitable Courts
The bench drew no explicit precedents in this but aligned with the petition's reference to the 's Maatr Sparsh directive on childcare, reinforcing (equality) and (right to life and dignity) obligations for courts. This audit mandate operationalizes the 's mandate, distinguishing mere policy from enforceable action amid post-pandemic realities.
Key Observations from the Bench
The court's pivotal directives, quoted verbatim:
"Registrar General of the High Court shall also place on record an audit report with regard to various amenities and facilities made available to women, persons with disability, persons suffering from chronic disease and senior citizens in the High Court premises as well as in the premises of various District Court and Tehsil Court buildings within a period of four weeks from today ."
Additional procedural notes:
"Learned counsel appearing for respondent No.2 prays for some time to file reply. Let the same be filed within two days. Rejoinder, if any, be filed within two weeks."
These underscore urgency without prejudice to responses.
A Four-Week Clock and Path Forward
The matter stands adjourned to , with the audit due by early March. Practically, this compels a comprehensive inventory across High Court, district, and tehsil levels, potentially exposing gaps and spurring upgrades like ramps, rest areas, and childcare. For litigants, it promises tangible strides in dignity and efficiency; for future PILs, it sets a blueprint for judicial self-audit in accessibility, amplifying vulnerable voices in the pursuit of justice.
