Ex-SC Judge Markandey Katju apologises for his controversial ‘winking’ remark on lady lawyers, calling it a joke, after severe backlash from SCWLA and the legal fraternity.
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NEW DELHI: Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Markandey Katju, on Friday issued a public apology following outrage over his controversial social media post suggesting that lady lawyers who winked at him received favourable judicial orders.
In a follow-up post, Justice Katju clarified that his words were “meant as a joke” and not to be taken seriously.
“It was said as a joke, and in fact I deleted the post shortly after it was posted. However, it seems many lady lawyers took it seriously and felt hurt. So I apologise, as demanded by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association,”
he wrote.
The apology came hours after the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) issued a strongly worded statement, condemning Justice Katju’s comments as “misogynistic” and “an assault on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity.”
SCWLA President Mahalakshmi Pavani and Secretary Prernaa Singh said,
“such remarks were ‘deeply disturbing coming from a former judge of the Supreme Court, who once held the responsibility of upholding constitutional values’.”
They stressed that his statement trivialized the hard work, merit, and professional achievements of women lawyers while perpetuating harmful stereotypes that have no place in a democratic society.
The Association demanded an unconditional public apology and urged the wider legal community to reject and censure regressive attitudes that undermine both gender equality and the integrity of judicial institutions.
“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.”
The Bar Association of India also weighed in, with its President Prashant Kumar releasing a statement strongly condemning Justice Katju’s remarks. The association called the comment “deeply disturbing” and said it undermines the integrity of the judicial system and public trust in the impartiality of courts.
Observers point out that casual sexism, even in the form of “jokes,” becomes especially problematic when it comes from someone who once occupied one of the highest judicial offices in the country. Critics argue that
“such remarks reinforce gender bias, discourage women lawyers, and shake faith in the fairness of the justice system.”
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Background
On August 22, the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) strongly condemned retired Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju for his controversial remarks suggesting that women lawyers could secure favourable orders by “winking” at judges.
The SCWLA termed the comments “misogynistic” and said they were an “attack on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity.”
In its press release, SCWLA said:
“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.”
The association demanded an “unconditional public apology” from the former judge, adding that such words “erode public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.”
Encouraging women lawyers not to be discouraged, SCWLA stated:
“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 body also reminded the legal fraternity:
“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 equality.”
The statement has sparked widespread debate, with many lawyers and activists supporting SCWLA’s stand, stressing that remarks like these undermine women professionals and the credibility of the justice system.
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