Chief Justice of India BR Gavai called for collective national responsibility to ensure a safer and more empowering environment for girls at the National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on Safeguarding the Girl Child, organised by the Juvenile Justice Committee of the Supreme Court in collaboration with UNICEF India.
The Chief Justice told judges, senior officials, and child rights advocates that a nation demonstrates its progress by how it treats its most vulnerable.
He stated that society ensures true safety only when it upholds dignity and amplifies voices, emphasising that genuine empowerment recognises every girl’s right to dream and be heard.
Justice Gavai reaffirmed that India’s Constitution envisions justice, equality, and fraternity for all, with Article 15(3) allowing the State to make special provisions for women and children.
He said these safeguards represent the nation’s moral commitment to protect its young citizens from exploitation and deprivation.
Referring to key legislations such as the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the POCSO Act, he stated that India’s legal framework demonstrates the intent to advance gender-sensitive welfare.
However, he warned that persistent social and economic barriers continue to hinder many girls from realising their constitutional rights.
Tackling Digital and Intersectional Challenges
Highlighting new threats in the digital age, the Chief Justice expressed concern over cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the misuse of personal data. He called for ethical digital governance and robust enforcement to ensure technology serves as a tool for liberation rather than exploitation.
He also drew attention to intersectional discrimination, urging authorities to respond sensitively to the compounded challenges faced by girls from marginalised groups and those living with disabilities.
Justice Gavai underscored the importance of spreading awareness about child protection laws and welfare schemes, noting that a timely public response can save lives.
He said education and outreach must reach rural communities and grassroots institutions.
Thanking Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi and UNICEF India for their collaboration, the Chief Justice concluded by quoting Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a nation ‘where the mind is without fear,’ urging every citizen to build an India where each girl can live, learn, and aspire in freedom.
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