SC seeks reforms to empower elected women

In a scathing critique of the regressive mindset entrenched in administrative systems, the Supreme Court has underscored the urgent need for reform in governance structures to empower elected female representatives and safeguard their autonomy.

- Utkarsh Anand

Highlighting how women in leadership roles are often subjected to systemic discrimination and treated as subordinates, a bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan called for introspection and significant structural changes to promote gender equality in governance.

Delivering a judgment reinstating a young woman sarpanch in Chhattisgarh, the court noted that the bureaucratic machinery often undermines women in elected positions, disregarding their democratic mandate and imposing undue accountability upon them. The judgment, delivered on November 19, was released on Wednesday.

The judgment focused on the entrenched gender bias within governance systems that disproportionately affects female leaders, particularly those in rural and remote areas.

In a strong rebuke, the court held: "There is a recurring pattern of similar cases, where administrative authorities and village panchayat members collude to exact vendettas against female sarpanches. Such instances highlight a systemic issue of prejudice and discrimination. The removal of an elected female representative is frequently treated as a casual matter, wherein disregarding principles of natural justice and democratic processes is treated as a time-honoured tradition."