CJI: My daughters have transformed how I see the world, engage with it

Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of providing additional safeguards for differently abled children, recognising the unique challenges they face. Speaking at the 9th National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Child Protection on Saturday, he highlighted the need for legal, social, and institutional systems to actively protect and empower these children.

“We must ensure that our systems are designed not just to accommodate but to protect and empower differently-abled children,” said the CJI, who also launched a handbook concerning persons with disability rights at the event. He stressed the importance of a justice system that, from police stations to courtrooms, understands and responds to the compounded vulnerabilities of differently-abled children.

Reflecting on his personal experiences, CJI Chandrachud shared that this year’s theme — focused on the protection and well-being of differently abled children — held a special place in his heart. “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 how I see the world and engage with it, strengthening my commitment to creating a more inclusive society where every child, regardless of ability, is cherished and protected,” he said.

The CJI pointed out that challenges faced by persons with disabilities go beyond physical accessibility and include societal biases, stereotypes, and misconceptions that affect every aspect of life. He emphasised that these barriers are particularly daunting for children, especially those in conflict with the law, who often face a system unprepared to address their unique vulnerabilities. In the United States, for example, studies show that as many as 70 per cent of youth entering the justice system have a mental health, sensory, or learning disability, he noted.

Justice Chandrachud called for improved data collection within the Juvenile Justice framework, stating that “data is the foundation for meaningful reforms”. He stressed that without robust data, differently abled children will continue to be overlooked and underserved. “We must ask ourselves: Are our justice systems flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of differently abled children? Are we building a system that seeks to rehabilitate rather than criminalise, to include rather than marginalise, 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 also highlighted the intersectionality of disability with other marginalised identities, such as gender, caste, socio-economic status, and ethnicity, which can amplify the discrimination children face.

Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi, SC Juvenile Justice Committee chief Justice BV Nagarathna, and UNICEF India representative Cynthia McCaffrey also addressed the session.

Empower differently abled children

We must ensure that our systems are designed not just to accommodate but to protect and empower differently abled children. — DY Chandrachud, Chief Iustice of India