Supreme Court of India reconstituted GSICC from May 1, 2026 under 2013 regulations. B. V. Nagarathna appointed Chairperson, reaffirming commitment to gender sensitization and safe workplace environment within judicial institution.
The Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) with effect from May 1, 2026. The reconstitution has been carried out in exercise of powers under the Gender Sensitization & Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013, particularly Clause 4(2), along with other enabling provisions. The move reflects the Court’s continued commitment to maintaining a safe and gender-sensitive working environment within its institutional framework.
Background and Purpose of GSICC
The GSICC was established in line with the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in the Vishaka guidelines and later reinforced through statutory developments such as the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Its primary objective is to address complaints of sexual harassment within the Supreme Court precincts and to promote awareness and sensitization on gender-related issues among all stakeholders, including judges, lawyers, staff, and other personnel.
The committee functions as an independent mechanism to ensure that complaints are handled in a fair, confidential, and time-bound manner. It also plays a preventive role by conducting awareness programmes and recommending institutional reforms where necessary.
Reconstitution of the Committee
As per the latest notification, Hon’ble Mrs. Justice B.V. Nagarathna has been appointed as the Chairperson of the committee. She is joined by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh as a member. Ms. Kaveri, Registrar (Judicial) of the Supreme Court, has been designated as the Member Secretary.
The committee also includes representation from the legal fraternity and other stakeholders. Among them are Senior Advocates Dr. Menaka Guruswamy and Ms. Liz Mathew, along with advocates Ms. Nina Gupta, Mr. Soumyajit Pani, and Ms. Sakshi Banga, who represent the Supreme Court Bar Association. Ms. Prabha Swami, an Advocate-on-Record, represents the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association, while Mrs. Sushma Rawat represents the Supreme Court Bar Clerks Association.
Additionally, the Chief Justice of India has nominated members including Ms. Sneh Sharma, Founder of Vividhta Consulting, and Ms. Maheravish Rein, Advocate, bringing diverse perspectives to the committee’s functioning.
The reconstitution ensures continuity in the functioning of the GSICC while incorporating experienced members from the judiciary, bar, and allied sectors. Such a multi-stakeholder composition is intended to strengthen the committee’s effectiveness in addressing complaints and promoting gender justice within the Supreme Court ecosystem.
By periodically reconstituting the committee, the Supreme Court reinforces its institutional commitment to upholding dignity, equality, and safety at the workplace. The updated GSICC is expected to continue playing a crucial role in ensuring compliance with legal standards and fostering a respectful and inclusive environment within the apex court.
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