The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) has strongly condemned former Supreme Court judge, Justice Markandey Katju for making misogynistic remarks suggesting that women lawyers could secure favorable judicial orders by “winking” at judges.

In a scathing press release, SCWLA described the statement as not merely offensive but an “assault on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity.” The association emphasized that such comments trivialize the hard work, merit, and achievements of women advocates.

“It is deeply disturbing that a former judge of the Supreme Court, who once held the responsibility of upholding constitutional values, would trivialize the hard work and merit of women lawyers through casual sexism,” the statement read.

The association highlighted that remarks of this nature undermine public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no place in a democratic society. “Coming from a former Judge of the Supreme Court, they are particularly shocking and unbecoming of the dignity associated with constitutional office,” SCWLA said.

Call for Public Apology and Systemic Change

The association has demanded an unconditional public apology from Justice Katju and urged the legal community to “reject and censure such regressive attitudes” that weaken gender equality and the integrity of judicial institutions.

Reiterating its commitment to equality and professional respect, SCWLA called upon all members of the legal fraternity to recognize the weight of their words, especially those who have held constitutional positions. “Those who have held constitutional office bear a continuing responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and advance the cause of equality,” the release noted.

Message to Women Lawyers

Sending a strong message of solidarity, SCWLA assured women lawyers that such remarks should never shake their 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 Our worth is defined by our intellect, integrity and commitment to justice and not by outdated sexist notions,” the association affirmed.

The press note was signed by Mahalakshmi Pavani, Senior Advocate and SCWLA President, and Prernaa Singh, General Secretary, on behalf of the Executive Committee.