SC Sets-Aside Termination of Two Women Judicial Officers, Reinstates Them

Terming it "punitive, arbitrary and illegal," the Supreme Court on Friday set aside the termination of services of two women judicial officers in Madhya Pradesh in 2023 and directed their reinstatement, emphasizing the importance of being sensitive to the gender-specific difficulties faced by women while assessing their performance.

- PARMOD KUMAR

Directing the reinstatement of services of two women judicial officers, Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh in a judgment pronounced today said, "The termination of these two judicial officers is punitive, arbitrary and therefore illegal."

The services of the two women judicial officers—Civil Judge, Class-II (JR. Division)—were terminated following adverse reports by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The top court had taken a suo motu cognizance of the termination of services of the women judicial officers.