Interview: Suprana Chakraborty on Translating Landmark Judgments of the Supreme Court of India

Inform us about your self? What motivated you to affix the undertaking of translating landmark judgments of the Supreme Court docket of India into native/regional languages?

I’m Suprana Chakraborty,1st 12 months legislation scholar at Nationwide Forensic Sciences College, Delhi Campus.Round Might I used to be on the lookout for alternatives to reinforce my authorized abilities earlier than becoming a member of legislation faculty, as all my exams have been over and faculty didn’t begin a few month later. I had been writing for Bengali newspapers and magazines since I used to be a baby and thus, this undertaking appeared like the right alternative.

Are you able to share your expertise in translating authorized paperwork and particularly the challenges you encountered whereas engaged on Supreme Court docket judgments?

Translation turned out to be far more difficult than anticipated. The principle challenges have been determining the literal translation of authorized phrases and typing in Bengali which I wasn’t very aware of initially. Because of being part of this undertaking , I now discover myself being in a extra knowledgeable state about primary legal guidelines.I’m now in a position to reply questions concerning that means of authorized phrases and contents of well-known case legal guidelines each when requested by instructor at school and in exams. Additionally, my Bengali typing talents have improved significantly.

How do you guarantee accuracy and preserve the authorized nuances of the unique content material whereas translating into native/regional languages?

To be able to preserve accuracy, I ensured that I used to be diligent at work. I confirmed the translations of a few complicated phrases. Our language coordinators have been additionally out there to assist us out always.

What methods do you utilize to deal with the complexity and technicalities of authorized language through the translation course of?

First, I used to learn the entire paragraph and work out the format the interpretation could be in. If any sentences wanted combining or if one wanted to return earlier than one other, it could possibly be ascertained at this stage. I might then resolve which format it could match greatest in Bengali. On the idea of this, I fashioned a skeleton of the paragraph. After that, I mixed all of them to jot down out the ultimate paragraph with as per requirement.

Are you able to share an instance the place you needed to navigate cultural or linguistic nuances particular to a area whereas translating a judgment?

Within the case of Sheela Barse v. State of Maharashtra, I had to determine how the title could be written in Bengali in accordance to the sound A – O , as they’re sort of the identical in Bengali.

In your opinion, how does translating authorized content material contribute to authorized literacy and consciousness among the many native inhabitants?

People who find themselves unable to learn and perceive English needn’t be in darkish about specifics of a case they wish to know extra about.

What have been the learnings to make sure a profitable translation undertaking, significantly when working with a crew of translators on such important paperwork?

Coordination between the crew is a vital facet as it might be complicated which components one ought to translate and which each other particular person ought to. This matter was dealt with very easily and diligently by the coordinator.

How do you preserve consistency throughout translations, particularly when engaged on a sequence of landmark judgments with completely different translators concerned?

Affected person is the important thing, I might say. The will to study extra and intimately about circumstances is what made me carry on going with consistency.

Out of your perspective, what impression do translated judgments have/can have on authorized discourse and understanding inside native communities?

Widespread people who find themselves unable to learn and perceive English needn’t be in darkish about specifics of a case they wish to know extra about. Translated judgements will even assist legislation college students and legal professionals from native language background who don’t obtain coaching in English to know legislation higher.