Supreme Court releases handbook to combat gender-based stereotypes

Digital Desk: On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India released a handbook for judges on how to avoid terminology like "adulteress," "affair," "ladylike," "mistress," "marriageable age," and others. The handbook also offers preferred or alternative terminology that the judges must use, such as "clothing" (instead of provocative apparel), "mother" (instead of unwed mother), "woman" (instead of whore), "unmarried woman" (instead of spinster), etc.

The manual "Combating Gender Stereotypes" was published by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud of India. According to him, the manual is intended to help judges and the legal profession recognise and avoid stereotypes regarding women. 

"This is about gender stereotypes in legal discourse. It outlines the unintentional ways in which stereotypes are applied by courts. It is not to question judgements. By identifying language that promotes prejudices, judges will be better able to avoid it. 

The CJI noted that DY Chandrachud had permitted gender-neutral restrooms and online appearance slips at the Supreme Court. "It highlights binding decisions which have highlighted (sic) the same," he said. 

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