Indian judiciary faces allegations of sexual harassment and institutional silence

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising has highlighted a pattern of sexual harassment and institutional self-protection within the Indian judiciary. She describes the issue as a “dirty secret” that undermines the institution's ability to provide justice to the public.

Jaising detailed specific instances of misconduct and subsequent retaliation against women in the legal profession. In one case in Madhya Pradesh, a judicial officer alleged sexual harassment by a High Court judge involving inappropriate demands during a private celebration. Following her resistance, the officer faced an unjustified mid-term transfer and eventually resigned. However, in 2022, the Supreme Court ordered her reinstatement, ruling that her resignation was not truly voluntary.

In another account, Jaising described a Dalit woman judge who was allegedly harassed by a High Court judge under the guise of official supervision. The judge reportedly used his supervisory jurisdiction to summon the officer to his private residence, leading to an encounter that resulted in the officer's dismissal on the grounds of unsatisfactory work. These cases underscore challenges regarding internal complaints committees and the lack of accountability for high-ranking judicial officials.