Justice Nagarathna, a Supreme Court judge and a member of the sensitization committee, delivered an important message about equality among genders. The event was organized by the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee of the Supreme Court for a belated celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.
On Wednesday, Justice Nagarathna said what women want is not to be put on a pedestal in society, but to receive equal treatment as their male counterparts, whether in the workplace, at home, or on the public street.
Members attended the event
The members who attended the event were the CJI Chandrachud, the chairperson of the committee, Justice Hima Kolhi, and other members of the committee. The former SC judge, Indira Banerjee, was also present in the audience.
Justice Nagarathna
Justice Nagarathna pointed out that even though the right to equality was a constitutionally consecrated fundamental right, it was not until the landmark judgment in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan, in which the top court issued guidelines and norms for preventing and redressing sexual harassment in the workplace. She also added that the women had to thank the top court for this judgment. She said it paved the way for the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
She further added that women may not be permitted to work outside because of the prevalence of an unsafe atmosphere at their workplace. It is SC and everyone’s duty to ensure the safety of women in India.
She added that the goal of achieving gender parity through gender sensitization was not a one-pointed agenda but had several phases and required a multi-pronged approach involving several stakeholders.
She concluded the session by seeking a joint affirmation of commitment towards creating inclusive and gender-sensitive workplaces for women.
About Justice Nagarathna
B.V. Nagarathna was born on October 30, 1962, in Pandavapuram, Mysore, India. She is a judge of the Supreme Court of India. Her father, E. S. Venkataramiah, was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India in 1989. She is in line to become the first female Chief Justice of India in 2027.