Supreme Court Reconstitutes Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee Panel
The Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its 12-member Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee. Chaired by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, the panel operates under 2013 regulations to address gender sensitivity and prevent workplace harassment within the judiciary, ensuring a secure and professional environment.
Highlights
- •The Supreme Court of India has reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee.
- •Justice B.V. Nagarathna has been appointed as the chairperson of the 12-member panel.
- •The committee is formed under the 2013 regulations to prevent sexual harassment and ensure safety.
- •The diverse panel includes judicial officers, senior advocates, and external subject-matter experts.
The Supreme Court of India has officially announced the reconstitution of its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee. This administrative update follows established regulations aimed at maintaining a secure and inclusive environment within the country’s highest judicial institution. The move underscores the commitment of the judiciary to address issues related to gender sensitivity and the prevention of workplace harassment.
Leadership and Composition of the New Committee
The newly formed Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee will be led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, who has been appointed as the chairperson of the 12-member panel. The committee is established in accordance with the powers granted by Clause 4(2) of the Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013. This regulatory framework provides the legal foundation for the committee's mandate and operational procedures.
The diverse composition of the committee ensures a balanced representation of judicial, legal, and subject-matter experts. Alongside Justice B.V. Nagarathna, the panel includes Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh and Registrar Kaveri. Their inclusion highlights the high-level oversight intended for this body. The legal expertise on the committee is further strengthened by the presence of several prominent advocates, including Menaka Guruswamy and Liz Mathew, who serve as senior members. Other advocates on the panel comprise Nina Gupta, Soumyajit Pani, Sakshi Banga, Prabha Swami, and Maheravish Rein.
Role and Scope of the Committee
In addition to judicial and legal professionals, the committee incorporates representation from external experts and professional bodies to ensure a comprehensive approach. The list of members includes Sushma Rawat, representing the Supreme Court Bar Clerks Association, and Sneh Sharma, the founder of Vividhta Consulting. The inclusion of these members indicates a collaborative effort to integrate varied perspectives on gender sensitivity and workplace safety.
The Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee serves as a critical mechanism for addressing grievances and promoting awareness regarding sexual harassment. By periodically reconstituting this body, the court ensures that it remains equipped to handle complaints effectively while adhering to its internal policies. The official order regarding this change was issued to formalize the new structure, allowing the committee to continue its essential work in upholding the standards of safety and dignity for all individuals associated with the Supreme Court of India. This proactive measure reflects the ongoing efforts within the legal system to foster a supportive and respectful professional atmosphere.
