As an exception, the court allowed a sign language interpreter to assist the 27-year-old with her arguments when she appeared before Chief Justice DY Chandrachud in September.

During the proceedings, the court appointed its own interpreter for Ms Sunny, the first in its history, so she could understand what was going on.

The Constitution Bench hearings will have an interpreter so that everyone can follow the proceedings,” Justice Chandrachud said.

Ms Sunny’s presence in the top court would make the Indian legal system more inclusive and accommodating to the deaf community, say observers.

Menaka Guruswamy, a senior lawyer, described the event as “truly historic and momentous.”

Ms Sunny’s lawyer, Sanchita Ain, told the that Ms Sunny’s work would have long-term benefits. “She has broken many stereotypes, this will encourage more deaf students to study law and make the legal system accessible to them,” she said. She has been practicing law for two years in Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), a southern city.

She was not allowed to use an interpreter in lower courts because judges thought they lacked the legal knowledge to understand legal terminology, she said. As a result, she would submit her arguments in writing.

Ms Sarah’s interpreter, Saurav Roychowdhury, has not studied law, but has experience translating for lawyers and law students. In the past, he has also appeared in two cases before the Delhi High Court on behalf of deaf lawyers.