India’s Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has delivered a powerful message on the need for societal change to truly protect women. While acknowledging the existence of legal provisions aimed at safeguarding their interests, he pointed to a fundamental barrier: a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset.
Speaking at the News18 Network’s ‘She Shakti’ event, Justice Chandrachud stated that “there is no dearth of substantive and procedural legal provisions targeted towards protecting the interests of women in private and public situations.” However, he underscored that laws alone are insufficient to create a just society.
“Above all, we need to change our mindsets. The mindsets must move from making concessions for women to recognizing their entitlement to lead lives based on freedom and equality. We must zealously guard against apparently protective laws infringing women’s liberties and choices,” the Chief Justice emphasized.
Justice Chandrachud’s comments come at a time of heightened national concern regarding violence against women. The recent rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Hospital has sparked widespread outrage and protests. Junior doctors from the hospital have met with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, presenting a list of demands for increased security and accountability.
The Chief Justice’s call for a shift in mindset resonates deeply with the current climate. He argued that “we must foster institutions and individuals who look beyond the ‘male default’ and who are willing to challenge the entrenched societal norms that perpetuate inequality.” He further stressed the importance of women’s equal participation in all aspects of society, citing the significant contributions of female figures like Hansa Mehta, who drafted the Indian Women’s Charter of Life before the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
Justice Chandrachud’s impassioned plea for societal change underscores the urgent need to address the deep-rooted issues that continue to jeopardize the safety and equality of women in India. It highlights the importance of not just enacting laws, but also cultivating a culture that truly values and respects women’s rights and freedoms.
