Gender Sensitisation Committee Reconstitute by Supreme Court

In a significant move towards promoting gender sensitivity and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment within the judicial system, the Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee. This decision, taken by the Chief Justice of India, underscores the apex court's commitment to upholding the principles of gender equality and addressing issues related to sexual harassment.

The reconstitution of the committee is in accordance with the Gender Sensitisation and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013. These regulations were formulated to establish a comprehensive framework for sensitizing the public to gender issues and addressing complaints of sexual harassment within the Supreme Court premises.

The reconstituted committee comprises a diverse panel of 12 members, representing various fields and institutions, including the legal fraternity, academia, and civil society organizations. This multidisciplinary approach aims to bring together a wealth of expertise and perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing gender-related concerns within the judicial system.

Composition and Leadership

Heading the reconstituted committee is Justice Hima Kohli, a respected Supreme Court judge, who has been appointed as the Chairperson. Justice Kohli's experience and leadership in this role will be instrumental in guiding the committee's efforts towards promoting gender sensitivity and addressing issues of sexual harassment with sensitivity and professionalism.

Joining Justice Kohli as a member of the committee is Justice B.V. Nagarathna, another esteemed Supreme Court judge. Justice Nagarathna's presence further strengthens the committee's commitment to addressing gender-related concerns at the highest level of the judiciary.

The committee also includes representatives from various legal bodies, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. Among the members are senior advocates Meenakshi Arora, Mahalakshmi Pavani, Menaka Guruswamy, Jaideep Gupta, and Soumyajit Pani, as well as Advocate-on-Record (AOR) Anindita Pujari and Madhu Chauhan from the Supreme Court Bar Clerk's Association.

In addition to legal professionals, the committee has also welcomed academic experts in the field of law and gender studies. Professor Shruti Pandey from O.P. Jindal Global University and Dr. Leni Chaudhuri, the Executive Director of the University of Chicago Centre in India Pvt. Ltd., will bring their scholarly expertise to the committee's deliberations.

Significance and Objectives

The reconstitution of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee holds immense significance for promoting a safe and equitable environment within the Supreme Court and the broader legal community. The committee's primary objectives are twofold: firstly, to sensitize the public to gender issues, and secondly, to address any complaints made in connection with sexual harassment at the Supreme Court premises.

By fostering a culture of gender sensitivity, the committee aims to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and the need to create a respectful and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. This awareness-raising effort will not only benefit the legal community but also contribute to broader societal change by challenging deep-rooted gender biases and stereotypes.

Moreover, the committee plays a crucial role in providing a safe and accessible platform for individuals to report incidents of sexual harassment within the Supreme Court premises. By establishing a robust and transparent mechanism for addressing complaints, the committee seeks to create an environment where victims feel empowered to speak up and seek redress without fear of retaliation or stigma.

The reconstitution of the committee also sends a powerful message about the Supreme Court's commitment to upholding the principles of gender equality and ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace for all its members. This initiative aligns with broader national and international efforts to address gender-based discrimination and promote a more equitable society.

Way Forward

The reconstitution of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee by the Supreme Court of India marks a significant step towards promoting gender sensitivity and addressing issues of sexual harassment within the judicial system. With a diverse panel of members representing various fields and institutions, the committee is well-positioned to tackle this challenge from a multidisciplinary perspective.

By fostering a culture of gender sensitivity and providing a safe and accessible platform for addressing complaints, the committee aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the Supreme Court premises and the broader legal community. This initiative not only upholds the principles of gender equality but also contributes to broader societal change by challenging deep-rooted biases and stereotypes.

As the committee embarks on its mission, it will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and complexities. However, with the leadership of respected judges and the expertise of legal professionals, academics, and civil society representatives, the committee is poised to make a lasting impact on promoting gender sensitivity and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.