Special-28 Team to Deliver Justice to Deaf-Mute People in Madhya Pradesh
For the first time in India, deaf-mute individuals will be able to access justice through sign language. The Madhya Pradesh High Court has created a Special-28 team to quickly resolve years of pending cases involving deaf-mute people. The team consists of 21 deaf-mute mediators and 7 sign language experts, including 9 women. They will mediate marital, family, and property disputes outside the court through mutual consent. The Supreme Court has also approved this initiative.
Five Special Mediation Centers in the State
The team was formed under the initiative of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of Madhya Pradesh High Court and monitored by Justice Vivek Russia. Expert mediators started mediation from April 1. Chief Justice of India, Justice Suryakant, is scheduled to visit Jabalpur on May 16, when five special mediation centers for deaf-mute people are expected to be inaugurated in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Sidhi. A virtual launch from Jabalpur is planned. Between March 14–19, the team underwent 40 hours of special training in Indore.
Special-28 Team Composition
- Indore: 8 members (6 deaf-mute, 2 sign language experts)
- Bhopal: 4 members (2 deaf-mute, 2 experts)
- Jabalpur: 4 members (3 deaf-mute, 1 expert)
"Justice is truly realized when it is accessible to everyone. This innovation is an important step towards removing barriers." – Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva
Case Highlights
Case 1: Sibling Dispute Resolved
In Shajapur, a deaf-mute couple had a dispute with a brother and father over electricity supply at home. The matter was heading to court. Special-28 member Atul Rathore mediated in sign language, and the parties reached a mutual agreement, reconciling the brothers.
Case 2: Divorce Prevented Through Mediation
An 8-month-old divorce case in Indore involved a deaf-mute couple married three years ago. Sign language expert Gyanendra Purohit mediated on May 8, resulting in the couple agreeing to stay together.