On International Women’s Day, Chief Justice Upadhyaya urged society to respect women over worship, emphasizing the need for a mindset shift to eliminate gender inequalities and injustices in all realms.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya made a powerful statement on International Women’s Day, emphasizing that women should be respected more than they are to be worshiped. He was speaking at an event organized by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) on Tuesday.
Justice Upadhyaya referred to a Sanskrit shlok that states, “Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devata” (where women are respected, Gods make their home). However, he added,
“In my personal understanding, women need to be respected more than they are to be worshiped. That would be my request to all present here.”
Justice Upadhyaya stressed that every member of society must change their mindset regarding gender issues and let go of the baggage of gender inequality that has existed for centuries.
He explained,
“Now, if anyone sitting here asks me about my age, I would easily say I’m 50, 59-60 years of age. But actually, in fact, I am 2000 plus 59 years of age. The reason is that whatever has undergone in these 2000 years in society, I carry this baggage with me.”
He urged people to break free from this inherited baggage to eliminate gender-related inequalities and injustices.
The Chief Justice also urged society to come out of denial mode and recognize gender injustices happening around them.
“These kinds of injustices prevalent in society keep on happening in our presence, but we remain in denial mode. That denial mode has to be shunned. We have to come out of it, recognize the problem, and only then can we solve it,”
he said.
He further highlighted that our cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds shape our mindset, and it is essential to address these influences to achieve gender justice.
Supreme Court judge Justice KV Viswanathan, the Chief Guest at the event, also spoke about gender inequality and the challenges women face in accessing legal services.
“Firstly, there are regional disparities in the availability and reach of these services. In rural areas, urban centers tend to have better accessibility, leaving rural women at a disadvantage. Secondly, lack of awareness, coupled with low legal literacy, hinders women from seeking assistance even when services are available,”
he said.
He further pointed out that social stigma, cultural norms, and fear of repression discourage women from reporting incidents and seeking legal assistance. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles, complex legal processes, and a lack of resources make it difficult for women to navigate the legal system.
Justice Viswanathan also revealed that Chief Justice Upadhyaya was concerned about the implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PCPNDT Act).
“The Chief Justice rightly feels that the enforcement leaves much to be desired. He mentioned that in Bombay, Allahabad, and Delhi, prosecutions under the PCPNDT Act are few and far between. That is one area where the Chief Justice strongly feels enforcement must be reinforced,”
he said.
Justice Upadhyaya concluded by stressing that celebrating International Women’s Day must go beyond being just a ritual. His powerful words serve as a reminder that true gender justice requires action, awareness, and a complete shift in societal attitudes.
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