New Delhi, India

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Karnataka High Court on Monday (Apr 8) became the first high court in India to hear arguments of a speech and hearing-impaired advocate through sign language. 

Bar and Bench reported that Justice M Nagaprasanna praised Advocate Sarah Sunny for his determination and efforts. The hearing-impaired lawyer presented arguments in a case with the assistance of a sign language interpreter. 

"Counsel for (respondent-wife), Sarah Sunny has made elaborate submissions, defeating the disability of being hearing and speech impaired through the sign language interpreter," stated the Court's interim order. 

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"Submissions made by Sarah Sunny need to be appreciated and the appreciation is placed on record though the submissions are through the sign language interpreter," it added. 

The court's decision was also commended by the Additional Solicitor General Arvind Kamath who said that it is a historic moment for the Karnataka High Court. 

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"Karnataka High Court will go down in history as the first high court to have heard a hearing and speech advocate through an interpreter. I understand that she has appeared before the Chief Justice of India, but in terms of the high court this will be the first," the ASG said. 

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What was the case about? 

In the case, Sarah represented a complainant in a matter related to sections 498(A), 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code along with Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act against her husband. The complainant even requested the arrest of her husband. 

(With inputs from agencies)