'Arbitrary and illegal': SC sets aside 2 judicial officers' termination

Freedom from discrimination and equal protection under the law during pregnancy and maternity are precious rights for women in the workforce, the Supreme Court emphasised on Friday, issuing a key ruling to strengthen protections for women in the judiciary.

- Utkarsh Anand

NEW DELHI:

Reinstating two women judicial officers from Madhya Pradesh who were dismissed in 2023 over allegations of misconduct and inefficiency, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma underlined that mere numerical representation of women in the judiciary is not sufficient unless they are provided a "sensitive work environment and guidance."

Drawing parallels with its past rulings on gender equality, the court observed that discrimination against women — direct or systemic — must be addressed at every level of the workforce, including the judiciary.