Delivering the 30th Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on Tuesday, Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan R Gavai urged the nation to reaffirm its constitutional commitment to equality and inclusion.
Speaking on the theme ‘Justice for All: Building a Gender Equal and Inclusive India’, Justice Gavai paid tribute to the late Justice Sunanda Bhandare, describing her as ‘a symbol of courage, compassion, and commitment to justice’.
Justice Gavai reflected on the legacy of Justice Bhandare, whose life, he said, “continues to inspire generations of lawyers and judges to view law as a tool for social transformation rather than privilege.”
Justices DK Upadhyaya, Madan B Lokur, and Prasanna B Varale, along with Members of Parliament Anand Sharma and Praful Patel, joined several senior advocates and legal luminaries in attending the event.
Remembering a Trailblazer in Indian Judiciary
Justice Gavai highlighted Justice Bhandare’s pioneering contributions to gender justice, recalling her efforts to challenge barriers that restricted women’s participation in law.
“At a time when few women entered the profession, Justice Bhandare stood tall through intellect and integrity,” he said.
He also lauded her role in landmark cases that laid the foundation for gender-sensitive legal interpretations.
He drew parallels between Justice Bhandare and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, noting that both jurists shared an unwavering belief in equality and dignity.
“Had fate not intervened so early, Justice Bhandare would have reached a similar global stature,” Justice Gavai remarked.
Justice Gavai traced India’s legal journey towards gender equality, from the Hindu Code Bills of the 1950s to recent judgments expanding women’s rights in the armed forces and reproductive autonomy. He emphasised that progress in gender justice must go beyond symbolism.
“Equality must not be confined to appearances or numbers,” he said. “It must transform the structures and attitudes that shape society.” Calling for men’s active role in reimagining power, he stressed that “true liberation comes when men and women work together to rebuild institutions of equality.”
As the lecture concluded, Justice Gavai reaffirmed that Justice Sunanda Bhandare’s ideals will continue to guide India’s march towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
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