In a landmark moment for disability representation in the Indian legal field, a visually impaired lawyer, Anchal Bhatheja, etched her name in history by appearing before the Supreme Court on June 6. It is believed to be the first time a blind woman advocate has represented a client before the apex court.
Anchal, who was born with low vision due to birth complications, later lost her eyesight completely as a result of retinopathy of prematurity. Despite the immense challenges she faced, including losing her vision entirely just before her board examinations, she pursued her legal education with determination and perseverance.
On this historic day, Anchal represented a petitioner in a case before the Supreme Court, breaking a significant barrier for persons with disabilities in the legal profession. Her appearance was not just a personal achievement but also a powerful statement about the inclusivity and accessibility of the Indian judicial system.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of creating supportive environments that enable persons with disabilities to thrive in professional spheres. The legal fraternity and disability rights advocates have widely lauded this moment, seeing it as a step forward in fostering diversity and representation in the practice of law.
