The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) has strongly condemned former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju for a recent remark deemed “inappropriate and belittling” toward women in the legal profession.
In a letter addressed to Justice Katju, SCWLA President Mahalakshmi Pavani, Senior Advocate, and General Secretary Prernaa Singh acknowledged Katju’s past contributions to women’s causes during his judicial tenure, but emphasized that “intent and impact are not the same.” The association noted that while Katju may not have intended harm, his words carried weight due to his stature, and their effect was to trivialize the struggles of women lawyers.
“A comment of that nature, even if said in a lighter vein, trivializes women and reinforces stereotypes they have long struggled to overcome,” the letter stated. It further warned that such remarks risk undermining women’s credibility and professionalism in a field where they already face prejudice.
The association stressed that “past contributions, however valuable, do not give anyone a free pass for present insensitivity,” adding that genuine respect for women is demonstrated not just through institutional measures, but also through language, conduct, and sensitivity.
Acknowledging Katju’s apology, SCWLA urged reflection without justification and accountability without deflection. “Your ‘joke’ should not be seen as a license for other men holding Constitutional posts to follow, belittle women or undermine their intellectual status, integrity and professionalism,” the letter concluded.
The statement underscores ongoing concerns about gender bias and professional dignity in India’s legal community, highlighting the continued struggle of women lawyers to be recognized and respected on equal footing with their male counterparts.
