Recently, the Supreme Court reinstated two women judicial officers in Madhya Pradesh who were dismissed for “inefficiency,” noting that one had suffered a miscarriage during her probation

Gender Equality in the Judiciary

• Landmark Judgment: SC reinstated two women judicial officers dismissed for “inefficiency.” One had suffered a miscarriage, highlighting workplace insensitivity. Justice B.V. Nagarathna called for a sensitive work environment for women.
• Institutional Change: More women in the judiciary is not enough—supportive conditions are crucial. Gender bias and stereotyping persist, requiring mindset shifts and policy reforms.
• Role of Judiciary: SC has repeatedly addressed gender discrimination in past rulings. Current judgment reinforces the need for fairness and workplace protections.

Way Forward

• Women’s Representation: Justice Nagarathna emphasized the need for more women in judiciary, legislature, and executive. Better representation leads to policies that address women’s concerns effectively.
• Maternal Rights: Equal protection during pregnancy and maternity is a fundamental right. Miscarriage has deep psychological and physical impacts, requiring sensitive policymaking.
• Policy Blind Spots: SC’s intervention highlights the failure of institutions in safeguarding maternal rights. Patriarchal systems hinder national progress—gender equality is key to development.

Conclusion

Education must be non-discriminatory to empower future generations. Workplaces must ensure safety and health protections as basic rights.