Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud, emphasized the need for a societal shift in attitudes towards women, stating that strict laws alone are insufficient for creating a just society. Speaking at News18 Network’s She Shakti event, the Chief Justice highlighted the importance of changing mindsets to truly empower women.
“There is no lack of laws aimed at protecting women’s interests both in private and public spheres,” Justice Chandrachud remarked. “However, a legal framework alone cannot establish justice. What’s crucial is a shift from patriarchal attitudes to acknowledging women’s rights to freedom and equality.”
At the event, he reflected on the significant influences women have had on his personal and professional life. “Discussing women’s rights isn’t just a women’s issue. Some of the greatest life lessons I’ve learned came from my female colleagues,” he added.
Justice Chandrachud also underscored the importance of women’s roles in governance and leadership, linking their participation directly to improved developmental outcomes. He pointed out the positive trends in judicial appointments, with a notable increase in the number of women judges, which he presented as evidence of progress. “In Rajasthan, 58% of the civil judges appointed in 2023 were women, and the numbers are similarly encouraging in other states,” he noted.
Despite these advances, the Chief Justice acknowledged the continued challenges women face, particularly in the workforce where they often bear a double burden of professional and domestic responsibilities. He criticized the persistent gendered allocation of domestic labor that hinders women’s economic participation and professional advancement.
“The challenge extends beyond achieving statistical gender equality; it’s about enhancing the lived realities of women,” Justice Chandrachud asserted. He also highlighted the need for inclusivity towards traditionally marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community.
Concluding his address, Justice Chandrachud called for an end to institutional apathy and hostility that women often face in professional environments. “As we strive for gender equality, it’s imperative that our institutions evolve to support and recognize the unique contributions of women, without forcing them into stereotypical roles,” he stated.
The event closed with a strong message that legal reforms must be complemented by substantial changes in societal attitudes and institutional practices to truly achieve gender justice.
