Institute of Legal and Management Studies

The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association has issued a statement condemning the 'misogynistic' remarks by Former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Markandey Katju, who recently said that all those women lawyers who winked at him in the court got favourable judgments by him.

The letter issued by SCWLA states that such remarks were a deep assault on "the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity".

"The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association unequivocally condemns the misogynistic remarks made by retired Justice Markandey Katju, who suggested that women lawyers could secure favorable judicial orders by "winking" at the judge. Such comments are not merely offensive but an assault on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity."

Remarks Trivialise The Hard Work Of Women Lawyers, Damage Public Confidence In Independence Of Judiciary:

The SCWLA raises concerns that such remarks not only belittle the years of hard work and dedication women lawyers put in to build their careers but also attempt to damage the public image of the judiciary.

"It is deeply disturbing that a former judge of the Supreme Court, who once entrusted with the responsibility of upholding constitutional values, would trivialize the hard work and merit of women lawyers through casual sexism. His words not only demean women advocates but also erode public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no place in a democratic society. Coming from a former Judge of the Supreme Court, they are particularly shocking and unbecoming of the dignity associated with constitutional office."

The letter further demands an unconditional apology from Justice Katju. It also stresses the need for the legal fraternity to overcome 'regressive attitudes' towards women lawyers.

"The Association demands an unconditional public apology from Mr. Katju. Further, we call upon the legal community at large to reject and censure such regressive attitudes which undermine both gender equality and the integrity of our judicial institutions."

The letter further emphasises that words can be powerful, especially coming from those who have held constitutional offices. SCLA expresses that such remarks will not stop women lawyers from achieving in the profession based on their merit and commitment to justice.

"We remind all members of the legal fraternity past and present, that words carry immense power. Those who have held constitutional office bear a continuing responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and advance the cause of equality."

"To all women in law: Let these remarks never shake your confidence. We will not be silenced, demeaned or reduced to caricatures. Our worth is defined by our intellect, integrity and commitment to justice and not by outdated sexist notions. The Association stands firmly by its commitment to equality, respect and justice for ourselves, for the legal profession and for the society at large, today and always."