A new survey by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) shows that 38.5% of women lawyers find the legal profession discouraging, revealing serious challenges linked to gender bias, limited leadership opportunities, and the pressures of marriage and motherhood affecting careers.
The NBDSA censured News18 India and anchor Rubika Liyaquat for unfairly attributing guilt to Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor scam case, which is still under investigation, and for biased conduct in a debate defending PM Modi. The channel was ordered to delete the violating parts of the March 28, 2024, broadcast within seven days for breaching neutrality and court reporting guidelines.
The Delhi High Court emphasized that men can also face cruelty in marriages and deserve equal legal protection. This was highlighted in a case where a woman allegedly inflicted severe injuries on her husband by pouring boiling water mixed with chili powder, then fled the scene. Rejecting leniency based on gender, the Court stressed the importance of fairness and equality in justice for all.
The Kerala High Court, led by Justice V.G. Arun, overturned a Child Welfare Committee ruling that granted custody of an infant to the father, emphasizing the mother’s right to breastfeed and nurture her child as essential elements of the right to life. The court criticized biases against the mother’s choices, ensuring the child’s best interests were prioritized.
Justice Hima Kohli, at a commemorative event for “100 Years of Women in Law in India,” highlighted the lack of female Attorney General and Solicitor General appointments in 75 years, emphasizing ongoing gender bias. She identified barriers like work-life balance issues, stereotypes, and limited opportunities, calling for reforms to empower women in the legal field.
The Supreme Court dismissed`(28th sept) a curative petition from the Central government and Airports Authority of India regarding GMR’s operation of Nagpur Airport. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asserted there were no grounds for curative jurisdiction. The Court’s previous judgment upheld GMR’s rights, and clarification was provided to prevent future legal misunderstandings.
Justice G. Jayachandran criticized Justice G.R. Swaminathan for bias against State police and hasty decision-making in YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar’s detention case. Swaminathan’s failure to consult his bench partner and refusal to allow the State to file a counter affidavit led Jayachandran to declare Swaminathan’s opinion invalid. Swaminathan’s explanations were deemed inadequate.
The Supreme Court heard the ED’s petition challenging Tamil Nadu’s lack of cooperation in sharing FIRs for money laundering cases. This includes the Ankit Tiwari bribery case. The court proposed a judicial oversight to address conflicts between central and state agencies. It will address these cases on March 20. There are parallels with disputes in West Bengal.