As the ban on the telecast of controversial BBC documentary “India’s Daughter” on the December 16, 2012, gang-rape continues, the Supreme Court on Tuesday sought response from two lawyers for making derogatory remarks against women in the short film.
While hearing the case, the apex court maintained that the matter requires consideration in view of the factual and legal argument made by women lawyers’ association.
“We have heard the argument, pleadings and grievances urged in the petition. The matter requires consideration in view of the factual and legal submissions,” a bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and C Nagappan said.
The bench issued notices to the two advocates, ML Sharma and AP Singh, and sought their response in two weeks.
The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association, in its petition, had sought restriction on the entry of the two advocates in the apex court premises, alleging that their remarks in the controversial BBC documentary were “inhumane, scandalous, unjustifiable, biased, outrageous, ill-minded” and are a “direct affront to and in violation of the dignity of women”, especially those practicing in the Supreme court.
Senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija, appearing the women’s association, submitted that the Supreme Court has to lead from the front and show zero tolerance for such views.
“We need an environment where we are fearless,” she said and added that the two advocates need to be sensitised.
Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for SCBA, submitted that there should be a meaningful and proper implementation of gender sensitisation regulation.
