Strengthening Institutional Integrity: Reconstitution of the Supreme Court’s Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee

The Supreme Court of India has recently taken a significant step toward reinforcing institutional accountability by reconstituting its Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC). Established under the Gender Sensitization and Sexual Harassment of Women at the Supreme Court of India (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Regulations, 2013, this body serves as the primary mechanism for addressing grievances related to sexual harassment within the apex court’s premises.

By appointing Justice B.V. Nagarathna as the Chairperson, the Court has signaled a commitment to high-level oversight in matters of gender justice. The inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including representatives from various Bar associations and clerk associations, ensures a participatory approach to grievance redressal. This structural move is not merely administrative; it is a vital exercise in upholding the 'Vishaka' guidelines and the subsequent POSH Act (2013) within the highest judicial institution of the country.

For an institution that acts as the final arbiter of fundamental rights, the internal adherence to gender-sensitive norms is paramount. The GSICC functions as a quasi-judicial mechanism that balances the need for confidentiality with the requirement for transparency and accountability. By integrating members from the Bar and staff associations, the committee fosters a culture of inclusivity and ensures that the voices of all employees—not just judicial officers—are heard. This reconstitution reflects the evolving nature of workplace ethics, where the judiciary must lead by example in creating a safe, non-discriminatory environment. Such institutional mechanisms are essential to mitigate power imbalances and ensure that the principles of equality and dignity, enshrined in the Constitution, are practiced within the corridors of justice itself.