SC Reconstitutes Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee, Appoints Justice Hima Kohli as Chairperson

SC Reconstitutes Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee, Appoints Justice Hima Kohli as Chairperson

On May 31, 2024, the Supreme Court of India (SC) reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC), appointing Justice Hima Kohli as the new Chairperson.

About the Committee:

1. Composition:
   1. The GSICC now comprises a total of 12 members from various fields, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive representation to address gender sensitisation and internal complaints effectively.
2. Appointment Process:
   1. The appointments were made by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Dr. DY Chandrachud, under the authority of Clause 4(2) of the Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the SC of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Gender Sensitisation: The committee is responsible for promoting gender sensitisation within the Supreme Court premises, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
• Handling Complaints: The GSICC addresses and resolves complaints related to sexual harassment, providing a mechanism for redressal and ensuring justice for victims.

Significance:

• Leadership: Justice Hima Kohli’s appointment as Chairperson brings experienced judicial oversight to the committee, enhancing its effectiveness in handling sensitive issues.
• Regulatory Framework: The reconstitution of the committee and the adherence to the 2013 regulations underscore the Supreme Court’s commitment to maintaining a harassment-free workplace.

Background:

• Regulations of 2013: The Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the SC of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013, were established to provide a clear framework for preventing and addressing sexual harassment within the Supreme Court.
• Previous Committee: The reconstitution of the GSICC is a periodic measure to ensure that the committee remains effective and aligned with current needs and standards.

Future Prospects:

• Training and Awareness: The newly reconstituted committee is expected to conduct training sessions and awareness programs to educate Supreme Court employees about gender sensitisation and the prevention of sexual harassment.
• Policy Implementation: The committee will continue to develop and implement policies that promote gender equality and safeguard the rights of women within the judicial environment.

The reconstitution of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee and the appointment of Justice Hima Kohli as Chairperson highlight the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and inclusive workplace. This move is a significant step towards reinforcing the principles of gender equality and justice within the highest judicial body of India.

On May 31, 2024, the Supreme Court of India (SC) reconstituted its Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC), appointing Justice Hima Kohli as the new Chairperson.

About the Committee:

1. Composition:
   1. The GSICC now comprises a total of 12 members from various fields, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive representation to address gender sensitisation and internal complaints effectively.
2. Appointment Process:
   1. The appointments were made by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Dr. DY Chandrachud, under the authority of Clause 4(2) of the Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the SC of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Gender Sensitisation: The committee is responsible for promoting gender sensitisation within the Supreme Court premises, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees.
• Handling Complaints: The GSICC addresses and resolves complaints related to sexual harassment, providing a mechanism for redressal and ensuring justice for victims.

Significance:

• Leadership: Justice Hima Kohli’s appointment as Chairperson brings experienced judicial oversight to the committee, enhancing its effectiveness in handling sensitive issues.
• Regulatory Framework: The reconstitution of the committee and the adherence to the 2013 regulations underscore the Supreme Court’s commitment to maintaining a harassment-free workplace.

Background:

• Regulations of 2013: The Gender Sensitisation & Sexual Harassment of Women at the SC of India (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Regulations, 2013, were established to provide a clear framework for preventing and addressing sexual harassment within the Supreme Court.
• Previous Committee: The reconstitution of the GSICC is a periodic measure to ensure that the committee remains effective and aligned with current needs and standards.

Future Prospects:

• Training and Awareness: The newly reconstituted committee is expected to conduct training sessions and awareness programs to educate Supreme Court employees about gender sensitisation and the prevention of sexual harassment.
• Policy Implementation: The committee will continue to develop and implement policies that promote gender equality and safeguard the rights of women within the judicial environment.

The reconstitution of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee and the appointment of Justice Hima Kohli as Chairperson highlight the Supreme Court’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and inclusive workplace. This move is a significant step towards reinforcing the principles of gender equality and justice within the highest judicial body of India.