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Forms 12-Member Gender Panel Chaired by Justice Nisha Banu
The has taken a significant step toward institutionalizing within its own premises by constituting a 12-member . Chaired by Justice J. Nisha Banu, the committee will be responsible for sensitizing the public on gender issues and addressing complaints of at the High Court. The formation of the GSICC is a direct outcome of the Gender Sensitisation & of Women at the (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2026, which the court promulgated to align its internal mechanisms with the broader objectives of the .
Committee Composition and
The GSICC comprises a diverse mix of judicial officers, administrative staff, and representatives from the legal community. Besides Justice Banu as Chairperson, the committee includes Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen as a member. Dr. Mini S. Das, Registrar (Vigilance) of the High Court, will serve as the Member Secretary. The inclusion of advocates nominated by the Advocates' Association— and —along with nominated by the , ensures that the practicing bar has a voice in the committee's functioning.
Other members include and , both advocates; , an advocate who also directs the and serves as an NGO representative on the local committee under the POSH Act; Smt. Sreedevi A.R., Deputy Registrar of the High Court; Smt. Geetha V. Mohanan, Under Secretary from the , nominated by the Advocate General of Kerala; and Smt. Sony John, a clerk nominated by the Advocates' Clerks' Association.
The committee’s primary , as per , is twofold: to undertake on gender issues for the public and to receive, investigate, and recommend action on complaints of occurring within the High Court premises. This dual role positions the GSICC as both a , reflecting best practices under the POSH framework.
Term and Rotation
The GSICC has been constituted for a term of two years, and no member can be nominated for more than two consecutive terms. This rotational policy is intended to infuse fresh perspectives and prevent stagnation, while also ensuring continuity of institutional memory. The term limit applies to all categories of members, including the judicial chairperson. The committee's composition is designed to be representative of the court's diverse stakeholder groups—judges, registry, advocates, and support staff—thereby enhancing its legitimacy and effectiveness.
Implications for at the High Court
The establishment of the GSICC marks a proactive move by the to address the often-underreported issue of within the judiciary. Courts, as workplaces, are not immune to such , and the creation of an specific to the High Court sends a strong signal that the institution holds itself to the same standards it applies to others. Legal professionals will note that the committee's composition includes not only judicial officers but also representatives from the bar and staff associations, ensuring that complainants from all sections feel comfortable approaching the committee.
The involvement of an NGO representative () with experience under the POSH Act adds an external, independent perspective that can help align the committee's procedures with established best practices. Moreover, the inclusion of a member from the and from the clerks' association underscores the committee's reach across the entire High Court ecosystem.
Legal Analysis and Broader Context
The 2026 Regulations under which the GSICC is constituted are an example of a High Court exercising its under to create a binding internal mechanism. While the POSH Act applies to all workplaces, including courts, the High Court's own regulations provide a tailored framework that can address the unique and concerns within the judiciary. For legal practitioners, this development may serve as a model for other High Courts and even district judiciary to adopt similar rules.
One noteworthy aspect is that the committee is empowered to handle complaints of
not only against women but also, by implication, any gender, as the regulations reference "
of women" but the committee is styled as
"Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee,"
suggesting a broader
. This aligns with the
's progressive interpretation in cases like
Aureliano Fernandes v. State of Goa
(2023), where the court emphasized that must be .
Impact on Legal Practice
For advocates and clerks practicing at the , the GSICC provides a clear, confidential, and accessible to report incidents without fear of . The committee's existence may also encourage the court administration to conduct regular workshops, which can help change attitudes and reduce the incidence of harassment. Legal professionals should be aware that the committee's proceedings are likely to be governed by the and , as mandated under the POSH Act.
The two-year term and rotation policy also mean that committee membership will be a recurring responsibility for senior members of the bar and bench, fostering a culture of . For law firms and corporate legal departments, the 's move reinforces the importance of having robust ICCs and may prompt similar reforms in other institutions.
Conclusion
of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee by the is a welcome step toward ensuring a safe and respectful workplace within the judiciary. By creating a dedicated body with clear terms of reference and a , the court has demonstrated its commitment to . Legal professionals across the country will be watching to see how the GSICC operationalizes its and whether it sets a precedent for other courts to follow. The committee's work, particularly in sensitization and complaint handling, will be crucial in fostering an environment where all individuals can work without fear of harassment.
