Steps Taken To Address Grievances Of Women Lawyers Practising In Nilgiris District : Madras HC Tells Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Friday disposed of a petition filed by Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu raising grievances regarding lack of toilet facilities, taking note of the submission made on behalf of the Madras High Court that necessary steps have been taken.

The Court gave liberty to the Association to approach the District Judge or the Registrar General of the High Court for redressal of any subsisting grievances. A bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha considered the petition.

At the very outset, CJI Chandrachud orally remarked that these matters could be dealt by the High Court of Madras. Advocate Vivekanandh, appearing for the petitioner stated–

"Unfortunately, several representations have been made."

Senior Advocate Guru Krishnakumar, appearing on behalf of the High Court of Madras, submitted that necessary steps had been taken to address the grievances of women lawyers. However, Advocate Vivekanandh argued–

"They say that alternative accommodation as well as toilet facilities have been provided. It is extremely embarrassing and unfortunate that we have to approach this court for this issue but the toilet facilities that they have given us does not even have a door. It is made with such a callous attitude. I just wanted to bring it to your lordships attention."

Krishnakumar submitted that as per his instructions, two rooms had properly been allotted to women lawyers along with an attached washroom and that photographs of the same were also available.

Taking note of this submission, the bench recorded in the order : "If the petitioner has any subsisting grievance, it would be at liberty to either move the District Judge or, as the case may be, the Registrar General of the High Court so that the grievance can be looked into."

Case Title: Women Lawyers Association of Nilgiris v. Registrar, Madras High Court And Anr. WP(C) No. 511/2023

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