Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna challenged the notion that women are entering male-dominated spaces, stating instead that they are reclaiming spaces from which they were unfairly excluded for generations.
Speaking at the launch of senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani’s book “Women Laws from the Womb to the Tomb: Rights and Remedies”, Justice Nagarathna emphasized that women’s growing presence in law, governance, and corporate sectors should not be seen as an intrusion.
“What is happening today is not about women invading men’s spaces, but rather dismantling barriers that have unfairly excluded them for generations,” she said.
“Every woman stepping into a courtroom, legislature or boardroom today isn’t expanding her boundaries. She is reclaiming her fair share of this nation’s intellectual and institutional legacy.”
Language Must Reflect Equality
Justice Nagarathna called for a change in the way women’s progress is described, pointing out that commonly used expressions often suggest that women are outsiders in positions of power.
“We frequently hear phrases like women entering the judiciary, claiming a seat in the boardroom… They subtly suggest that these spaces were not meant for women,” she noted.
She criticized such language as outdated and misleading, adding that women are rightful participants in shaping the nation.
“They are not stepping into someone else’s territory. They are citizens, contributors, thinkers and leaders in their own right.”
Empowering Women At Home & In Law
Justice Nagarathna underscored that true national strength begins with empowering women within families. She acknowledged the legal protections available to women in India but questioned their accessibility and effectiveness.
“Indian law today provides a lattice of protections and rights to women at every stage of life, but how far are those remedies available to her?” she asked.
Referring specifically to Section 498A of the IPC, she warned against the misuse of legal provisions and highlighted the judiciary’s responsibility to distinguish genuine claims from malicious ones.
“The judge is obligated to be meticulously aware of the practical realities of society… A judge’s tools are two: fidelity to the law and the compassionate conscience.”
Book Praised For Legal Depth & Relevance
Justice Nagarathna lauded Pavani’s book for its structured and insightful commentary on women’s rights across life stages.
“The meticulously curated structure and constituent articles not only enumerate the law but also reflect the intent of the legislator and judiciary within a societal context,” she said.
Joining the event, Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan highlighted the transformative impact of women’s contributions across fields.
“The stunning achievements of science, technology, arts and culture world over would have been impossible without the creative contribution of women,” he said.
Calling the book a vital resource, he encouraged both legal professionals and women across India to read it.
“It should adorn the library of every member of the legal fraternity. It should be possessed by every woman so that they are aware of their rights and how to enforce them.”
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