"The recent incidents of brutal assault and child rape in Delhi have shaken our society's collective conscience. They highlight the urgency with which we need to introspect at the erosion of values and our repeated failure to ensure safety and security of our women and children. We must ensure the dignity and respect for women at all times," Mukherjee said.
"I gather that a group of lady lawyers in the Supreme Court have moved a petition to seek the enforcement of the court's own verdict in the Vishakha case on providing a more congenial workplace environment within the courts for lady lawyers. I am sure the Supreme Court will give expeditious attention to the matter," he said.
The Supreme Court's Vishakha Judgement of 1997 is a landmark in legal guidelines to deal with cases of sexual harassment at work places and includes setting up of a commitee to inquire into such complaints.
"I would like to use this occasion to call upon Judges to take special efforts to encourage young members of the Bar by considering them for local commissions and appointment as 'Amicus Curiae' or 'Friend of the Court' in cases of public importance. I am sure such initiatives will boost confidence and morale of younger members of legal fraternity," he said.
Supreme Court judge Justice P Sathasivam spoke of the struggle of the young, disabled and women lawyers during initial years of law practice.