The Supreme Court has sought detailed status reports from all High Courts on the formation of gender sensitisation committees for women and transgender persons, citing lapses and lack of uniform mechanisms across courts, including district and subordinate levels.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court took serious note of the non-formation of gender sensitisation committees for the prevention of sexual harassment of women and transgender persons across courts in India. The issue was raised during the hearing of a plea highlighting widespread non-compliance with mandatory guidelines.
Appearing before the court, a Senior Advocate informed the bench that at least seven High Courts have failed to frame guidelines or regulations for the constitution of gender sensitisation and internal complaints committees. The submission highlighted glaring gaps in implementation, particularly at the Patna High Court, Jharkhand High Court, and Punjab & Haryana High Court.
According to the advocate, in some jurisdictions, no gender sensitisation committee exists at all, while in others the mechanism is confined only to the High Court level and does not extend to district or subordinate courts, leaving a large section of the judicial workforce without institutional safeguards.
Supreme Court’s Directions
Taking cognisance of the submissions, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the Registrars General of all High Courts to file comprehensive status reports. The reports must specify whether gender sensitisation committees have been constituted at various levels, including:
- High Courts
- Bar Associations
- District Courts
- Subordinate Courts
- Allied judicial institutions
The court emphasised that compliance must not be symbolic and should ensure effective grievance redressal mechanisms for women and transgender persons within the judicial system.
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Gender sensitisation committees play a crucial role in implementing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and in upholding constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity, and a safe working environment.
The Supreme Court has, in earlier judgments, underscored the judiciary’s responsibility to set an example in enforcing workplace safety norms, especially within its own institutions.
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