"Zero Tolerance On Inappropriate Behaviour Towards Woman," Chief Justice Chandrachud

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said that sexual harassment, inappropriate behaviour towards women, inappropriate language, and including inappropriate jokes at the expense of women will not be tolerated. He was speaking at an SC event by the Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee on Wednesday.

The belated celebration of International Women’s Day was also attended by the chairpersons of the committee, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice BV Nagarathna, and other members.

Justice Chandrachud, who was invited as the chief guest, delivered the keynote address. He pointed out the promising developments in the legal profession, including the increasing number of women in judicial service and law. He also underlined the drawbacks that need to be addressed, such as the barriers in the system and incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

CJI Chandrachud On Gender Sensitization

He announced the launch of a glossary of inappropriately gendered terms used in the legal discourse and the allotment of a larger space for women lawyers in the supreme court’s annexe building.

The chief justice highlighted the problems faced by women in the legal profession, including harassment and inappropriate behaviour. He disclosed that he had heard ghastly stories of young women lawyers from the corridors of the SC itself. "There must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment against women and any other inappropriate behaviour targeting women," the chief justice firmly stated.

With regard to gender inclusivity in the legal profession, Justice Chadruchud said that there has been a progressive shift and the future looks hopeful. About 50–60% of judicial officers are women, and this holds great promise for the future as the women in the workforce are going to define the values, traditions, and aspirations for the present and future.

Justice Chandrachud also referred to examples of how a large number of women in the transactional lawyering space prove that merit is truly rewarded. He highlighted how women are recognised for their talent and held equally competent to their male counterparts.

The chief justice explained how celebrating women’s day in the Supreme Court had special significance because there was a need to send the message that "we are truly gender equal and provide equal opportunity at the workplace."

He pointed out how women encounter various barriers in their careers. Although there aren’t many barriers to entry, there were barriers to realising the full potential of women lawyers. "Many women were forced to quit their career midway because the working conditions don't make them feel acceptable," he said.

He emphasised how much work has to be done both at the bar and on the bench to provide equal opportunity for women in the legal profession. He insisted that senior members would have to be more welcoming and not treat women like someone who works only for a few years and then drops out. He also spoke about how the judiciary should make an effort to ensure that women are given important roles in the judicial system.

Justice Chandrachud said with great conviction that lawyers and judges were duty-bound to work together to provide equal opportunity to women in the legal profession.

Suggested Reading: The Chief Justice On Why We Can’t Have More Women Judges