LI Network
Published on: December 10, 2023 at 20:28 IST
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud remarked on Friday that delays in case outcomes have a more profound impact on female lawyers than their male counterparts. Speaking at the inauguration of the new office premises of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Mumbai, CJI Chandrachud expressed concern over the onerous nature of prolonged court battles, emphasizing their disproportionate effect on the clientele of female lawyers.
While acknowledging that both male and female lawyers face challenges due to delays, CJI Chandrachud underscored the societal perceptions that link intellect and capability with gender. He explained, “Everything else being equal, in a society that associates intellect and caliber with gender, the impact of delay will be greater for a woman lawyer than a male lawyer.”
Highlighting various barriers to justice, including social, physical, and systemic hurdles, CJI Chandrachud emphasized the role of good infrastructure in mitigating these challenges and ensuring the efficient and prompt resolution of legal disputes.
He noted the increasing voluntary participation of lawyers in tribunals and stressed the need for infrastructure that caters to the demands of legal professionals and court staff.
Cautious about the overreliance on virtual courts, especially for physically disabled individuals or senior citizens, CJI Chandrachud asserted, “Physical access to courts must never be understated in its importance and must be constantly improved.”
He concluded his address by commending the favorable conditions for judges and lawyers in Maharashtra, highlighting the state’s culture of non-interference by the government in judicial matters.
CJI Chandrachud urged an appreciation of the conducive working environment in Maharashtra and the crucial role of governance in preserving the independence of the judiciary.
The event marked the inauguration of the CAT’s new office premises in Mumbai, emphasizing the significance of accessible infrastructure in the pursuit of justice.