📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Yann Forget
Politics
Madhya Pradesh High Court condemns appellate judge's misogynistic view on women litigants
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 06 Oct 2026, 07:01 PM
👁 16
The Madhya Pradesh High Court flagged an appellate judge's statement that women should not be involved in litigation, calling it misogynistic and contrary to constitutional principles.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday took suo motu cognizance of remarks made by an appellate judge who suggested that women should not be active participants in litigation. The bench described the comment as "misogynistic" and emphasized that such views run counter to the Constitution's guarantee of equality before law.
In its order, the court directed the concerned judge to retract the statement and warned that any recurrence could attract disciplinary action under the Judges' Conduct Rules. The bench also reiterated that the judiciary must uphold gender neutrality and ensure that women are treated with respect in all legal proceedings.
Legal experts noted that the intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding fundamental rights, especially in a country where women continue to face systemic bias. The High Court's swift response is expected to set a precedent for addressing similar gender‑based remarks in courts across India.
The matter is now referred to the state judicial administration for further action, and the court has urged litigants and lawyers to report any instances of gender discrimination within the legal system.
In its order, the court directed the concerned judge to retract the statement and warned that any recurrence could attract disciplinary action under the Judges' Conduct Rules. The bench also reiterated that the judiciary must uphold gender neutrality and ensure that women are treated with respect in all legal proceedings.
Legal experts noted that the intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding fundamental rights, especially in a country where women continue to face systemic bias. The High Court's swift response is expected to set a precedent for addressing similar gender‑based remarks in courts across India.
The matter is now referred to the state judicial administration for further action, and the court has urged litigants and lawyers to report any instances of gender discrimination within the legal system.