The High Court said that issues like gender equality and cultural diversity should be made a part of the curriculum of Delhi Judicial Academy. Because prejudice is the enemy of fair and just decisions. Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma said that judicial education and training should focus not only on legal principles but also on the diverse backgrounds and realities of the people coming before the court. This will help in changing the stereotypical thinking of the society and give a better verdict. If the decision is based on prejudices or assumptions then the community watching the judicial system will also accept it as reality.
Organize awareness conferences and training programs
The justice said such training would also develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives and experiences and help judges take more informed and judicious decisions. This will enhance public confidence and trust in legal system. Therefore, while imparting judicial education, judicial academies should take care that they provide judgments free from gender biases or stereotypes as part of their continuing judicial education and training programs for judges. For this its necessary to organize awareness conferences and training programs. He also directed to send a copy of his decision to the Director of Delhi Judicial Academy for necessary action and compliance.
Not to be blinded by gender-based or stereotypical notions
While making the above comment, Justice said that a woman police officer can also be a victim of domestic violence and the courts should not be blinded by gender-based or stereotypical notions associated with the profession. He also quashed the session court’s decision acquitting a man of cruelty to his wife. The wife had alleged that soon after the marriage, her husband and in-laws started taunting and teasing her for not bringing dowry and also demanded more dowry. At the time of marriage, both husband and wife were sub-inspectors in Delhi Police.
