A recent article published on May 13, 2025, by Live Law titled “When Democracy Doesn’t Sign Back” highlights a significant accessibility gap in India’s parliamentary proceedings. Despite the live telecast of parliamentary sessions and speeches by key constitutional figures, there is currently no provision for Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpretation. This omission effectively excludes approximately 2.68 crore (26.8 million) hearing-impaired citizens from fully engaging with the nation’s democratic processes .

The article underscores that this lack of inclusivity is not merely a policy oversight but a constitutional concern. The Supreme Court, in the case of Pragya Prasun and Others v. Union of India (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 289 of 2024, decided on April 30, 2025), emphasized that inclusive digital infrastructure is a constitutional obligation essential for securing dignity, autonomy, and equal participation in public life. The Court mandated the inclusion of sign language interpretation, closed captions, and alternative formats like Braille and audio-based services in digital interfaces .

While strides have been made in digital accessibility, the absence of ISL interpretation in parliamentary broadcasts remains a glaring omission. This exclusion not only hampers the right to information for the hearing-impaired community but also undermines the democratic principle of equal participation. The article calls for urgent reforms to ensure that parliamentary proceedings are accessible to all citizens, regardless of hearing ability .

Sources