Expressing her delight over the Supreme Court's move to issue a notice to the Madhya Pradesh High Court judge accused of sexually harassing a woman judge, former Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Indira Jaising on Friday said the incident had greatly damaged the image of the judiciary.
"It has damaged the image of the judiciary greatly. People will think that the judiciary is an unsafe place for women. However, this is not correct and there are many judges who certainly do not indulge in sexual harassment at the workplace," Jaising told ANI here.
She added that this case had the potential to make 'structural changes' and make things easier for all 'women judges, women lawyers and other women who access the courts'.
The eminent jurist explained that the former Additional District Judge, who is the complainant, wanted a fresh inquiry into the case by three judges, two Chief Justices from outside the court and one other High Court judge
"The basic prayer in the petition is that her transfer to Sidhi be treated null and void. That her resignation be treated as a constructive termination. There should be an inquiry by three judges, two Chief Justices from outside the court and one other High Court judge," Jaising said.
Also Read
"And, if a prima facie case is found, then the CJI should recommend his removal from office," she added.
Earlier in the day, the apex court issued a notice to a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in connection with a sexual harassment complaint lodged against him by a Gwalior woman judge.
The apex court in its ruling stayed a committee appointed to probe the allegations of a judge in Gwalior who has claimed that she was sexually harassed by a senior judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court last month.
The woman judge had moved the Supreme Court asking the Chief Justice of India to appoint a committee with three members to look into her allegations.
