Patriarchy and Misogyny in India: A Judicial Perspective

The discussion of patriarchy and misogyny in India often seems abstract, yet it becomes tangible when individuals in power exhibit these behaviors. A recent example involves Supreme Court Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma.

Case Analysis

• The justices ruled that a 40-year-old woman was not a victim of rape, citing that she was not "a baby" and traveled voluntarily with the accused.
• The accused, a 23-year-old social media influencer, was granted interim bail.
• The ruling minimized charges of rape, blackmail, exploitation, and extortion, which the police had deemed credible.

Role of Courts

Courts, particularly the Supreme Court, serve as venues for redressal and protection of rights. They not only deliver law but provide a moral compass for society.

Impact of Judicial Rulings

• Judges must be progressive and sensitive in their rulings.
• Their language and upheld principles influence public attitudes and trust in the justice system.
• Regressive judgments can undermine societal progress and the moral authority of the courts.