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Kerala High Court Rolls Out Robust Shield Against on Its Premises
In a significant step towards fostering a , the has notified the & of Women at the (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2026 . Published in the Kerala Gazette on , these regulations come into force on , as announced by Chief Justice via Registrar General G. Gopakumar. Aimed at women lawyers, litigants, and others in court precincts—excluding staff covered by the —these rules create a dedicated redressal framework, fulfilling long-standing Supreme Court directives.
From Vishaka to Kerala: Building on Supreme Court Foundations
The regulations draw directly from landmark precedents like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997), which mandated workplace protections against to uphold . They also reference Medha Kotwal Lele v. Union of India (2013), emphasizing education and swift grievance handling by bar bodies and courts. Prompted by , a committee drafted these as a " " for the court's precincts—spanning court blocks, libraries, canteens, and parking areas.
As noted in related reports, the move ensures a , addressing gaps in judicial spaces not fully covered by the 2013 .
Anatomy of the New Guardian: The GSICC Takes Shape
At the heart is the , constituted by the Chief Justice with 7-13 members, ensuring a . Composition includes: - 1-2 judges (one as Chairperson) - Senior advocates and association nominees - Representatives from and - Outside experts from women & child welfare - A Deputy Registrar as Member-Secretary
Members serve two-year terms, with quarterly meetings and strict quorum rules. The GSICC handles policy, awareness programs (workshops, posters, volunteers), crisis mediation, and complaints—submitting annual reports to the Chief Justice.
Complaint to Closure: A Streamlined Path to Justice
Any " " (broadly defined, excluding certain employees) can file within three months via the Member-Secretary. The GSICC forms a three-member (women-majority, with outsider) for a 90-day fact-finding inquiry, wielding civil court powers like summoning witnesses.
Post-inquiry, the full GSICC recommends to the Chief Justice, who decides on remedies: from admonition and entry bans (up to one year) to criminal referrals or actions. Interim reliefs protect complainants during probes, with violations striking off defenses. Confidentiality is paramount—no public disclosure of victim identities.
Malicious complaints trigger action, but only after inquiry proves intent.
Voices from the Regulations: Pivotal Pronouncements
"WHEREAS gender discrimination andresult in violation of the fundamental right of a woman to equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 15... and right to a safe environment, free fromunder Article 19(1)(g)."
"“” includes... physical contact and advances; a demand or request for sexual favours;... any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature."
"No woman shall be subjected toat the High Court precincts."
"GSICC shall ensure prominent publicity of the Policy... organize programmes forthrough workshops, seminars, posters..."
These underscore proactive prevention alongside redressal.
A Landmark for Judicial Workspaces: Implications Ahead
The Chief Justice's orders bind parties, with delegation possible but subject to approval. Backed by funds, annual reporting, and volunteer networks, the regulations override exclusions but complement other laws.
This framework not only empowers women in Kerala's judiciary but sets a model for other courts, promoting dignity and equality. By institutionalizing sensitisation and swift justice, it transforms precincts into safer havens, potentially inspiring nationwide reforms.
