Chhattisgarh High Court: Sign Language Testimony Valid

In a significant ruling, the Chhattisgarh High Court has held that testimony recorded through a sign language interpreter is legally valid and can be relied upon for conviction.

The court made this observation while upholding the life sentence of a man convicted of sexually assaulting a physically-abled woman.

Bench Dismisses Appeal

The case was heard by a bench comprising Ramesh Sinha and Ravindra Kumar Agrawal.

The bench dismissed the accused’s appeal and upheld the trial court’s March 2023 verdict, reinforcing the credibility of the survivor’s testimony.

Measures Taken During Trial

The court noted that the trial court had taken appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with the survivor. These included:

• Assistance from a sign language interpreter
• Use of a plastic doll to explain certain questions
• Ensuring clarity and understanding during testimony

These measures helped the survivor express her statements clearly despite communication challenges.

Importance of Inclusive Justice

The ruling highlights the importance of making the judicial process accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.

By recognising interpreter-assisted testimony as valid, the Chhattisgarh High Court has reinforced the principle of inclusive justice and equal access to legal remedies.

Legal Significance of the Judgment

The judgment sets an important precedent for future cases involving differently-abled individuals. It confirms that courts can adopt supportive measures without compromising the evidentiary value of testimony.

This approach ensures that victims are not denied justice due to communication barriers.

Strengthening Victim-Centric Approach

The decision reflects a victim-centric approach in the legal system, focusing on fairness and accessibility.

It also sends a strong message that courts are willing to adapt procedures to uphold justice while maintaining legal standards.