Retired Justice Markandey Katju apologizes over "winking" remark

Retired Justice Markandey Katju has apologized for his comments made on women lawyers. “I hereby apologize for posting on fb that lady lawyers who winked at me got favourable orders. It was said as a joke, and in fact I deleted the post shortly after it was posted. However, it seems many lady lawyers took it seriously and felt hurt. So I apologize, as demanded by the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association", the apology posted by Justice Katju on social media reads.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association had condemned the 'misogynistic' remarks made by Justice Katju, wherein he suggested that women lawyers could secure favorable judicial orders by “winking” at the judge. The association had accordingly called for an unconditional public apology from the former Supreme Court judge.

SCWLA stated that such comments are not merely offensive but an assault on the dignity, credibility, competence, integrity and professional standing of every woman in the legal fraternity.

"It is deeply disturbing that a former judge of the Supreme Court, who once entrusted with the responsibility of upholding constitutional values, would trivialize the hard work and merit of women lawyers through casual sexism. His words not only demean women advocates but also erode public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that have no place in a democratic society. Coming from a former Judge of the Supreme Court, they are particularly shocking and unbecoming of the dignity associated with constitutional office", the Press Release issued by the association states.

Women in law have been urged to not be discouraged by such remarks. "Let these remarks never shake your confidence. We will not be silenced, demeaned or reduced to caricatures. Our worth is defined by our intellect, integrity and commitment to justice and not by outdated sexist notions. The Association stands firmly by its commitment to equality, respect and justice for ourselves, for the legal profession and for the society at large, today and always", the press release adds.

Furthermore, all members of the legal fraternity have been reminded that words carry immense power and those who have held constitutional office bear a continuing responsibility to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and advance the cause of equality.