Aakanksha Jetley, Pune
In a landmark move to counter gender biases in legal contexts, the Indian Supreme Court has introduced a groundbreaking handbook named the “Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.” The goal is to guide judges away from using language that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases when delivering judgments.
During the handbook’s launch, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of mindful language use. The guide red flags over 40 terms, including offensive words like “prostitute” and “hooker,” which have historically contributed to gender biases in court proceedings. The guide’s aim is not to criticise past judgments but to encourage judges to reconsider language choices that may inadvertently uphold biases.
The guide advises judges to avoid phrases like “dutiful wife” and “obedient wife” and to discourage using terms like “ravished” while discussing cases of sexual assault. The guide also seeks to debunk stereotypes associated with women, challenging misconceptions that label them as overly emotional or indecisive.
The handbook will be available on the Supreme Court’s official website to give judges a practical tool to make language choices that promote fairness and inclusivity in their judgments. This move aligns with the court’s commitment to ensure unbiased and accessible legal proceedings for all citizens.
The release of this handbook signifies a substantial leap forward in the pursuit of gender equality within the legal landscape, initiating essential discussions about the profound role that language plays in shaping attitudes and perceptions, especially within the judicial system. This effort is expected to stimulate a broader dialogue on how language can be harnessed to build a more equitable society.