Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan R. Gavai on Wednesday emphasized that achieving a gender-equal India requires collaboration rather than confrontation, urging men in positions of authority to recognize that sharing power with women strengthens society rather than diminishing it. Speaking at the 30th Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial Lecture, CJI Gavai underscored the importance of dismantling structural, social, and economic barriers that continue to limit women’s freedom, participation, and access to opportunity across the country.
Delivering the lecture on the theme “Justice for All: Building a Gender Equal and Inclusive India,” CJI Gavai highlighted that the pursuit of gender justice cannot rest solely on the shoulders of women. He emphasized that meaningful progress requires men, particularly those occupying positions of power in institutions, workplaces, and political systems, to actively reimagine and share authority. “Achieving gender justice is not the responsibility of women alone. It requires an active reimagining of power by men,” he said.
Collaboration Over Confrontation
CJI Gavai drew inspiration from Justice Sunanda Bhandare, a former Delhi High Court judge and staunch advocate of gender justice and social equality, who championed these ideals both as a lawyer and on the bench. He said the path to a gender-equal India lies in collaborative efforts where men and women work together to rebuild the moral and institutional architecture of equality envisioned by the Constitution.
“Sharing power is not an act of loss, but of liberation of society,” he asserted, reflecting on the evolution of law in the 75 years since India adopted its Constitution. The CJI stressed that symbolic achievements or token representation cannot substitute for true equality. Real progress is measured by women’s equitable access to decision-making, leadership positions, and opportunities across all spheres of life.
Reaching Every Woman
Highlighting the need for inclusivity, CJI Gavai noted that constitutional rights must reach women beyond metropolitan areas and privileged contexts. “The rights guaranteed by our Constitution must reach every woman, not just those in metropolitan cities, but also those in small towns, villages, and marginalized communities who continue to live at the edges of justice,” he said. This focus on marginalised communities underscores the necessity of addressing systemic barriers that prevent meaningful participation in public, social, and economic life.
The CJI cited several landmark judgments by the Supreme Court over the years that have expanded women’s rights and allowed greater participation in various spheres, but he also acknowledged that the judiciary alone cannot achieve gender justice. Progress has been possible due to the collective voice of citizens, which has challenged regressive norms and prompted legal reforms.
Learning from the Past
CJI Gavai reflected on historical legal milestones, including the 1979 Mathura rape case, in which two policemen accused of raping a minor tribal girl were acquitted—a decision that became “a moment of institutional embarrassment” in India’s constitutional and judicial history. He highlighted such instances as critical reminders of the ongoing dialogue between the courts and the public, demonstrating how civic engagement can influence the march toward justice.
“The dialogue between the courts and the people remains one of the most vital sources of India’s democratic strength, reminding us that the march toward gender equality is not a destination reached, but a commitment constantly renewed,” he observed.
Institutional and Societal Responsibility
CJI Gavai stressed that dismantling invisible barriers to equality requires both institutional reform and societal engagement. He encouraged men in power to view gender justice as a shared responsibility and to actively participate in creating environments that foster inclusion and equality. The lecture reinforced that systemic change cannot be achieved through legal reforms alone but requires active collaboration between courts, policymakers, civil society, and citizens at large.
Notable Attendees
The memorial lecture was attended by several past and present judges of the Supreme Court and various high courts, senior lawyers, and academicians. Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay and former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur also spoke at the event, reflecting on Justice Bhandare’s legacy and the continuing relevance of her work for gender justice and social equality in India.
Justice Sunanda Bhandare, who passed away while serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court in November 1994, was widely respected for her advocacy of women’s rights and social justice. The lecture series was instituted by her husband, Murli Bhandare, a former governor, along with their two children, to honor her contribution to law and society.
The Way Forward
CJI Gavai’s address underscored that gender equality in India requires systemic collaboration, informed legal interventions, and the active dismantling of cultural, social, and economic barriers. By advocating for men in leadership positions to share power and create inclusive spaces, he highlighted a path where equality is not perceived as zero-sum but as a collective advancement for society.
The lecture served as both a tribute to Justice Sunanda Bhandare’s enduring legacy and a clarion call to continue working toward a society where women have equal rights, opportunities, and representation at all levels. As CJI Gavai noted, achieving gender justice is an ongoing commitment—a process that demands continuous engagement, collaboration, and vigilance by all stakeholders in the pursuit of an inclusive and equitable India.
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