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Access to Justice For Persons with Disabilities in India Access to justice is a foundational right and a necessary condition for the realisation of all other rights. Yet, for persons with disabilities in India, the justice system remains difficult to navigate — marked by physical, procedural, attitudinal, and systemic barriers. Pacta's research emerges from our sustained engagement with the intersections of law, policy, and disability rights, and is grounded in the belief that justice systems must be designed to serve everyone. Our Research Full Report - Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities in India Booklet - Summary of Findings and Recommendations Audio Overview of Findings and Recommendations Accessible version of our full report (Screen-reader friendly) Justice X Data The Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities in India report is a first of its kind research study. This report carves out the legal mandate for an inclusive justice system for persons with disabilities and maps it against data mandates and publicly available data, in an attempt towards the attainment of the constitutional vision of justice for all citizens in India. By mapping the presence — and significant absence of data, this report seeks to identify systemic blind spots, encourage transparent reporting, and advocate for evidence-based reforms that promote accountability and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Justice systems of Police, Prisons, Judiciary and Legal Aid. The report draws primarily on government-published datasets and public documents. It is further informed by jurisprudence, secondary research, and field-level insights, including 417 RTI application responses. Who is it for? This work isintended for policy-makers, civil society actors, researchers, and justice sector stake-holders who are committed to transformingthe justice system into one that reflects the diversity and dignity of all its users. Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities across the Four Pillars of the Justice System Disability and the Police Disability and Prisons Disability and the Judiciary Disability and Legal Aid Mandates for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Justice System United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 + Rules Harmonised Guidelines 2021 MHA Accessibility Guidelines 2021 Supreme Court Accessibility Report 2023 Special courts and prosecutors, disability training mandates Prison Rules, Jail Manuals How can Persons with Disabilities be Included in the System? As Users of the System Persons with disabilities as justice seekers As a part of Human Resources Persons with disabilities as justice providers Through Accessible Infrastructure Physical and digital accessibility and inclusion Through System Response Disability aware and disability responsive systems Where are we on inclusive justice systems? How do we strengthen disability inclusion? What immediate action can be taken? Findings The findings highlights the systemic lack of data across the justice system vis-a-vis persons with disabilities, and implementation of measures of inclusion despite mandates for disability inclusion urges the case for better data collection and public reporting of such data. Recommendations Recommendations focus on disability inclusion in the justice system through awareness, enforcement of reservation policies, infrastructure accessibility, and comprehensive data collection. Checklists The research has enabled the creation of data collection checklists that can guide disability data collection initiatives by each of the justice institutions - Police, Prisons, Judiciary and Legal Aid. Pillar-wise Findings, Recommendations and Checklists Police - Findings (pdf) Police - Recommendations (pdf) Police - Checklists (pdf) Findings Recommendations Checklists Prisons - Findings (pdf) Prisons - Recommendations (pdf) Prisons - Checklists (pdf) Findings Recommendations Checklists Judiciary - Findings (pdf) Judiciary - Recommendations (pdf) Judiciary - Checklists (pdf) Findings Recommendations Checklists Legal Aid - Findings (pdf) Legal Aid - Recommendations (pdf) Legal Aid - Checklists (pdf) Findings Recommendations Checklists As India makes strides towards making its public systems inclusive and accessible for all, we hope that this report serves as a repository of baseline data, and spurs action towards data collection and reporting of persons with disabilities in the justice system. As India makes strides towards making its public systems inclusive and accessible for all, we hope that this report serves as a repository of baseline data, and spurs action towards data collection and reporting of persons with disabilities in the justice system. As India makes strides towards making its public systems inclusive and accessible for all, we hope that this report serves as a repository of baseline data, and spurs action towards data collection and reporting of persons with disabilities in the justice system. As India makes strides towards making its public systems inclusive and accessible for all, we hope that this report serves as a repository of baseline data, and spurs action towards data collection and reporting of persons with disabilities in the justice system. At the heart of the problem is a profound data vacuum. Disability disaggregated data across all components of the justice system is rare, inconsistent, or absent. The maxim “what doesn’t get measured, doesn’t get done” rings especially true here. This report addresses that gap, and in doing so, performs a foundational public service. By collecting, analysing, and systematising data on accessibility across the justice system, it creates the conditions necessary for reform. - Dr Justice D Y Chandrachud

Legal consulting and research services for corporates and social impact initiatives. CORPORATES & SOCIAL IMPACT How does Pacta serve Corporate & Social Impact Initiatives? We support companies in achieving their sustainability and social responsibility goals through drafting CSR policies, DEI initiatives, POSH, and equal opportunity frameworks, along with training for effective implementation. Our services include drafting and managing CSR grant agreements, conducting grantee due diligence, impact metrics and evaluations of CSR programs, and research to guide funding decisions and innovative programmatic interventions. CASE STUDY NEOMOTION | ZOMATO Gig Employment Opportunities for Persons With Disabilities A Case Study on the Zomato’s ZEAL Project Read More CASE STUDY SPORTS SOCIETY ACCELERATOR CSR Funding for Sports in India Read More CASE STUDY ACUMEN FUND Impact of Portfolio Investments on Creating Dignified Livelihoods for Plastic Waste Workers CLIENTS & PARTNERS

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FCRA, Income Tax advisory and strategic financial compliance services for NGOs, and philanthropies. COMPLIANCES LEGAL | FCRA | TAX Social sector enterprises are governed by rapidly changing legal, tax, finance, and rights-based frameworks, requiring agile compliance and awareness of the changes. Income Tax Act registration and periodic compliance - Sections 10, 12, and 80 Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Registration - Prior Permission, Renewals, and Compliance Companies Act and CSR Rules Sector-specific laws - Right to Education Act, Right to Information Act, Transgender Persons Act, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act

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NGO setup and governance for legal compliance, operational readiness and funding readiness. INSTITUTIONAL SET UP & GOVERNANCE Pacta is a trusted friend of social enterprises—non-profits (Trusts, Societies, Companies), purpose-driven social entities, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives. Our experience includes handling the entire gamut of work for the setup and operation of social enterprises. Incorporation of Trusts/Societies/Section 8 Companies Incorporation of Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Companies Incorporation and Governance of Hybrid Entities Setup of Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) Setup of Incubators/Accelerators Setting Up Liaison Offices of Foreign Charities in India Setting Up Branch Offices of Indian Charities Abroad Compliance of Websites/Applications with Data Privacy/ Information Technology Laws Setting Up Robust Governance Policies and Practices

Pacta journey, mission statement and team member profiles. SOCIAL | IMPACT | LEGAL Who We Are Who We Are Pacta is a Bengaluru-based law firm and think tank dedicated to reducing inequities by bridging the gaps between the intent and implementation of laws and policies. Through our legal services, Pacta advises billion-dollar philanthropies, family foundations, NGOs, CSR entities, public trusts, social incubators/accelerators, schools, and universities. Through our research services, Pacta supports government departments, multilaterals, and social impact initiatives. Our Journey Our Journey Pacta began in 2017 as a law firm providing legal strategy and legal advisory services to the social sector, making Pacta India's only exclusive social sector law firm. Over time, Pacta evolved into a non-partisan research initiative working at the intersection of law and policy to identify and bridge gaps in conversion from policy to law to practice. OUR MISSION Pacta's mission is to support change-makers working towards reduced inequities. Our People Nivedita Krishna FOUNDER Nivedita Krishna is a law and public policy consultant with 15 years of experience in the corporate and social sector. In the last decade, she has focused on law and policy initiatives to strengthen India's public education system. Nivedita is a Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, has completed her LL.B from ILS Law College, Pune and holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Princeton University’s School of Public & International Affairs. Nandini Narayanaswamy CO-FOUNDER Nandini is a law graduate from NALSAR and is part of the core team at Pacta. She is in charge of the contracting, general compliance & labour initiatives at Pacta. Nandini, spent a few good years at leading law firms in Bangalore, before she joined Pacta. She brings the rigour of the corporate world into structuring ethical, compliant yet practical solutions for our Clients in their realization of India’s Sustainable Development Goals. Vinishya Philip RESEARCH LEAD Vinishya is a policy and research professional with close to a decade of experience in academic and action research across the development and consulting sectors. She holds an M.Phil in Sociology from the University of Hyderabad, an MA from Jawaharlal Nehru University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism. Her work has focused on digital safety, child protection, migration, and anti-human trafficking. She is currently expanding her research into disability rights and remains committed to driving impact through evidence-based work. Bency Ramakrishnan LEAD, LEGAL Bency holds an LL.B. from Government Law College, Mumbai and a Master’s in Public Policy from Mumbai University. She began her career as a LAMP Fellow, and went on to litigate in the courts in Mumbai. Using her background in law and public policy, she has worked at its intersection with Central Government Ministries, and wishes to continue contributing meaningfully to this space. Naman Khatwani LEAD, LEGAL & POLICY Naman holds an LL.M. from Columbia Law School and a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) from the National University of Juridical Sciences. With a background in dispute resolution and the social sector, he has worked with top law firms and chambers, handling complex cases before courts and tribunals in India. Outside of work, Naman has a passion for slow fashion, making gourmet ice cream, and cycling—always up for a chat or a long ride! Lathangi G LEGAL & POLICY ASSOCIATE Lathangi is a graduate of VIT School of Law, Chennai. She specialises in Data Protection laws and the convergence of Law and Technology. Recently, her focus has expanded to disability laws, where she aims to contribute towards creating a more accessible and equitable legal system. KK Prahalad SENIOR LEGAL & POLICY CONSULTANT Prahalad holds an LL.M from the National Law School of India University and a B.A. LL.B (Hons.) from Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University. His expertise spans tech policy, governance, and disability rights, with a keen interest in international law and politics. Sudeshna Bose SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sudeshna contributes through visual storytelling, designing presentations, social media content, infographics, illustrations, and research papers. Her interests lie in using creative knowledge and skill to craft designs that inspire, motivate, and leave a lasting impression. Susan Job COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE Susan holds a Masters in Development from Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, and a Bachelor's in IES (Industrial Relations, Economics, and Sociology) from St. Joseph's University, Bengaluru. Susan is passionate about working at the intersection of communications, social impact, and design. Bhavitraa Thilagar COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN ASSOCIATE Bhavitraa is an information designer, guiding visual storytelling and strategic communications at the the intersection of law, policy, and research. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accessory Design from NIFT, Chennai and a Master’s in Information Design from Srishti Manipal Institute. As a serial experimenter and a certified jack-of-all-interests, she is endlessly fascinated by the world and only occasionally questions her instinct to dive into heated debates. Shreya Koner DATA ANALYST Shreya holds a postgraduate degree in Gender Studies from TISS, Hyderabad. She brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to data-driven research, combining technical proficiency in Python, SPSS, and advanced Excel with a deep understanding of gender and policy. Her experience spans data analysis, budget tracking, and research. Outside of spreadsheets and dashboards, Shreya enjoys swimming, playing the ukulele, and has an enduring love for all things sweet. Prachi Purohit RESEARCH ASSOCIATE - POLICY Prachi is a UGC-JRF qualified Political Science postgraduate with an engineering background from NIT Bhopal. She has worked across policy research, corporate analytics, and grassroots development. Her interests lie in governance, social impact, and education. Outside work, she enjoys theatre, public speaking, reading fiction, running 10k and learning languages.

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