In a landmark move towards inclusive justice and equal access to the legal system, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women & Child Development, Government of Punjab, announced the empanelment of sign language experts, translators, and special educators under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. With this progressive step, Punjab has become the first state in India to formally empanel sign language experts under the Juvenile Justice framework, setting a strong precedent for other states to follow.
The initiative aims to ensure that children with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, are not left behind in the justice delivery process. The move reflects the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of all children—particularly those in vulnerable and marginalized communities—by providing them access to the judicial, rehabilitation, and child protection mechanisms under the law.
Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the importance of making legal and child welfare systems inclusive, accessible, and sensitive to the needs of every child, especially those who require additional support to communicate or understand legal proceedings. She stated that this empanelment would not only enhance participation but also enable effective rehabilitation and reintegration of children in conflict with law or in need of care and protection.
Under this initiative, the Punjab government will create a pool of certified sign language experts, translators, and special educators who can be deployed across Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, and Child Care Institutions. These professionals will assist during legal proceedings, counseling sessions, rehabilitation processes, and ensure that the child’s voice is heard and understood in the truest sense.
The empanelment of sign language experts is also aligned with India’s obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), both of which emphasize the need for reasonable accommodation and equal access to justice.
The move is being hailed as a game-changing step in child justice reform, especially in the wake of growing recognition of the intersectionality between disability and child protection. Legal experts, child rights activists, and disability rights groups have welcomed the decision, urging other states to replicate this model to strengthen inclusive justice infrastructure across the country.
Furthermore, this measure is expected to empower the judicial officers and social workers involved in juvenile justice to better understand and respond to the needs of children with communication disabilities. It also marks a significant shift towards a child-centric and rights-based approach in legal and social welfare frameworks.
By institutionalizing the presence of sign language and support professionals in child protection systems, Punjab has taken a pioneering step toward bridging communication barriers and reinforcing the principle that justice must be accessible to all, regardless of physical or sensory ability.
