Women Lawyers' Association Demands Unconditional Public Apology From Justice Markandey Katju For 'Misogynistic Remarks'

Today, the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) issued a statement condemning the alleged misogynistic remarks made by retired Justice Markandey Katju, who suggested that women lawyers could secure favourable judicial orders by “winking” at the judge.

The SCWLA stated in the Press Release that such comments are not merely offensive but an assault on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity.

The 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. His words not only demean women advocates but also erode public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no place in a democratic society.”

Subsequently, the SCWLA demanded an unconditional public apology from Justice Katju and called upon the legal community at large to reject and censure such regressive attitudes, which undermine both gender equality and the integrity of our judicial institutions.

It further stated, “To all women in law: 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 Our worth is defined by our intellect, integrity and commitment to justice and not by outdated sexist notions.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 Association stands firmly by its commitment to equality, respect and justice for ourselves, for the legal profession and for the society at large, today and always.”

SCWLA also emphasised that those who have held constitutional office bear a continuing responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and advance the cause of equality.

Click here to read/download Press Release