New Delhi, March 16, 2023 – Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has urged for a zero-tolerance
approach towards inappropriate behavior towards women, sexist language, and unsavory jokes. In a
speech at a legal conference, the CJI stated that it was imperative to create a safe and inclusive
environment for women in the legal profession. This call for action comes at a time when incidents
of sexual harassment and assault have been reported in various sectors, including the legal industry.
The CJI highlighted the importance of promoting gender equality and ensuring that women feel
comfortable and safe in their workplace.
The CJI’s stance on the issue is not new. In fact, the Indian judiciary has been actively taking
measures to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace. In 2013, the Supreme Court of India issued
guidelines to prevent and address sexual harassment at the workplace. The guidelines were based
on the recommendations of a committee headed by former Chief Justice of India, JS Verma. The
Verma Committee was set up in response to the brutal gang rape of a young woman in Delhi in
December 2012, which sparked nationwide protests and led to demands for stronger laws to protect
women. The committee recommended several measures to address the issue, including the setting
up of a National Commission for Women and the establishment of special courts to try cases of
sexual assault.
The CJI’s call for a zero-tolerance approach towards inappropriate behavior towards women is a
continuation of the judiciary’s efforts to create a safer and more inclusive workplace. In his speech,
the CJI also stressed the need for awareness and sensitivity training for all members of the legal
profession. The legal profession is not the only sector grappling with issues of sexual harassment and
assault. The #MeToo movement that gained momentum in 2017 brought to light the widespread
prevalence of sexual harassment and assault in various industries, including entertainment, media,
and politics.
The movement led to a nationwide conversation on sexual harassment and assault and prompted
many organizations to review their policies and procedures for dealing with such incidents. The
Indian government also took steps to strengthen the legal framework for dealing with sexual
harassment at the workplace.
In 2018, the government amended the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act to make it mandatory for all employers, including those in the private
sector, to set up committees to investigate complaints of sexual harassment. The amended Act also
expanded the definition of workplace to include places visited by employees during the course of
their work. Despite these measures, incidents of sexual harassment and assault continue to be
reported. The CJI’s call for a zero-tolerance approach towards inappropriate behavior towards
women is a timely reminder of the need for continued vigilance and action on this issue.
Overall, the CJI’s call for a zero-tolerance approach towards inappropriate behavior towards women,
sexist language, and unsavory jokes is a step in the right direction. It is imperative that all
stakeholders, including employers, employees, and government agencies, work together to create a
safe and inclusive workplace for women.
Written By- Lakshya Sharma students of 1st year BBA LLB at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
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