New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) The Supreme Court Women Lawyers’ Association (SCWLA) has strongly condemned the recent remarks of former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju, describing them as “misogynistic” and an assault on the dignity of women in the legal profession.
Justice Katju, in a controversial comment, suggested that women lawyers could secure favorable judicial orders by “winking” at judges.
The association said such a statement was not only deeply offensive but also undermined the credibility, competence, and integrity of women lawyers.
In a press release, theSCWLA called upon Justice Katju to issue an unconditional public apology. “It is deeply disturbing that a former judge of the Supreme Court, once entrusted with the responsibility of upholding constitutional values, would trivialize the hard work and merit of women lawyers through casual sexism.
“His words demean women advocates, 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 statement read.
The association also urged women in the profession not to be discouraged by such regressive remarks. “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 Our worth is defined by our intellect, integrity and commitment to justice not by outdated sexist notions.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,” it added.
SCWLA further reminded members of the legal fraternity that words carry immense power, and those who have held constitutional office bear a continuing responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and advance the cause of gender equality.
