SupremeCourt – Top Court Reforms Gender Sensitization Panel With New Leadership
SupremeCourt – The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, on Wednesday approved the reconstitution of the Supreme Court’s Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC), a body responsible for addressing complaints related to workplace harassment and promoting gender awareness within the institution. The move renews the panel’s structure under the provisions of the Gender Sensitization and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013.
Justice B V Nagarathna Appointed As Committee Chair
Justice B V Nagarathna has been appointed as the chairperson of the reconstituted committee. She will lead the panel’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms aimed at preventing and addressing gender-related concerns within the Supreme Court. Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh has been named as a member of the committee, while Registrar Sujata Singh will serve as its secretary.
The committee plays an important role in ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone associated with the Supreme Court, including court staff, lawyers, and other personnel. Its responsibilities include receiving complaints, conducting inquiries, and recommending appropriate action when cases related to workplace harassment arise.
Panel Includes Senior Lawyers And Legal Practitioners
Along with the judicial members, the committee will also include several senior members of the legal profession. Senior advocates Menaka Guruswamy, Liz Mathew and Sneh Sharma have been appointed to the panel as members.
The reconstituted committee also includes advocates Nina Gupta, Soumyajit Pani, Sakshi Banga, Prabha Swami, Sushma Rawat and Maheravish Rein. These members bring experience from different areas of legal practice and are expected to contribute to the committee’s work in handling complaints and promoting awareness on gender sensitivity.
Their presence ensures that the committee reflects a diverse group of legal professionals, combining judicial leadership with the perspectives of practicing advocates.
Role Of GSICC In The Supreme Court System
The Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee was established to implement the Supreme Court’s regulations aimed at preventing sexual harassment and promoting gender equality within the institution. The framework was introduced in 2013 to provide a formal mechanism for addressing such issues in the court’s professional environment.
The committee not only investigates complaints but also conducts programs designed to improve awareness about gender sensitivity. These initiatives include workshops, discussions and awareness sessions for individuals working in and around the Supreme Court.
Through these efforts, the GSICC aims to foster a professional atmosphere that emphasizes dignity, respect and accountability.
Reconstitution Under Existing Regulations
According to the official order, the Chief Justice exercised powers under Clause 4(2) of the 2013 regulations governing gender sensitization and the prevention of sexual harassment at the Supreme Court. These provisions allow the head of the judiciary to periodically reorganize the committee and appoint members to ensure that it functions effectively.
The reconstitution of the GSICC is part of the Supreme Court’s continuing effort to maintain institutional mechanisms that address workplace concerns and uphold standards of conduct within the legal system.
With the newly appointed members and leadership, the committee will continue to serve as an important forum for addressing grievances and supporting policies that promote a safe and respectful professional environment inside the country’s highest court.