Supreme Court of India Revamps Gender Sensitization Committee

Tags: National News

The Supreme Court of India has restructured its Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) to align with the 2013 regulations on Gender Sensitization and Sexual Harassment.

An Overview of the News

• This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing gender issues.

Committee Leadership

• Led by the Chief Justice of India.

• Justice Hima Kohli appointed as chairperson.

• Justice BV Nagarathna and Dr. Sukhda Pritam appointed as members.

• Leadership combines legal and academic expertise for enhanced effectiveness.

Membership Composition

• Includes representatives from:

  • Supreme Court Bar Association

  • Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association

  • Supreme Court Bar Clerks’ Association

• Notable members appointed by the Chief Justice of India:

  • Shruti Pandey

  • Jaideep Gupta

  • Dr. Leni Chaudhuri

  • Dr. Menaka Guruswamy

• Ensures a multidisciplinary approach.

Continuity and Forward Planning

• Justice Hima Kohli's leadership ensures stability and continuity.

• Her experience is crucial for fair handling of gender sensitization and sexual harassment complaints.

• Structured approach reinforces the committee’s role in promoting gender equality in the judiciary.

Facts about the Supreme Court of India

• Establishment and Structure

  • Established: January 28, 1950.

  • Location: New Delhi, designed by Ganesh Bhikaji Deolalikar, the first Indian chief architect of CPWD.

  • Initial Judges: 8

  • Current Judges: 34

• Significant Aspects and Contributions

  • First Judgment: Delivered in 1950 in State of Bihar v. Kameshwar Singh.

  • Symbol: Features the Scales of Justice superimposed on Ashoka’s Lion Capital.

  • Notable Case: Ayodhya land dispute, the longest hearing lasting 40 days.

  • Emergency Period (1975-1977): Supreme Court’s powers were significantly curtailed.

• Legal and Social Impact

  • Retired judges are prohibited from practicing law in any court or before any authority in India.

  • Enhanced gender sensitivity by permitting women to serve at night in previously restricted professions and spaces.