Home  > Recent Judgements  > Supreme Court Seeks Report from High Courts on Formation of Committees Across Courts, Tribunals & Bar Bodies to Address Sexual Harassment

Jan  07- 2026

Supreme Court Seeks Report from High Courts on Formation of Committees Across Courts, Tribunals & Bar Bodies to Address Sexual Harassment

GEETA RANI vs. UNION OF INDIA

Overview

In a significant step towards strengthening institutional accountability and workplace safety within the justice delivery system, the Supreme Court of India has sought comprehensive status reports from various High Courts regarding the constitution and functioning of Gender Sensitisation Committees and Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs). These bodies are mandated to address complaints of sexual harassment against women and transgender persons across courts, tribunals, and Bar Associations.

Bench Composition

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, and Joymalya Bagchi.

Background of the Petition

The writ petition, filed in GEETA RANI V. UNION OF INDIA, seeks effective implementation of the VISHAKA VS. STATE OF RAJASTHAN, 1997 Guidelines, which lay down mandatory safeguards against sexual harassment at the workplace. These guidelines, evolved by the Supreme Court, require institutions to establish complaint redressal mechanisms, including ICCs, to ensure a safe and dignified working environment.

Senior Advocate Sonia Mathur, appearing for the petitioners, placed before the Court a detailed chart highlighting widespread non-compliance across several jurisdictions.

Key Submissions Before the Court

The petitioners drew the Court’s attention to alarming gaps in implementation, including:

  • Seven High Courts that have neither framed guidelines nor constituted ICCs.
  • Patna: Absence of any effective mechanism to deal with sexual harassment complaints.
  • Jharkhand: ICC constituted only at the High Court level, with district courts excluded.
  • Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi: District courts lacking proper ICC frameworks.

These deficiencies, it was argued, undermine the constitutional guarantee of equality, dignity, and a safe workplace for women and transgender persons within the legal ecosystem.

Directions Issued by the Supreme Court

Taking cognisance of the submissions, the Supreme Court issued notice and directed the Registrars General of the identified High Courts to file detailed status reports. The Court specifically sought clarity on whether committees for gender sensitisation and for addressing sexual harassment have been constituted in:

  • High Courts
  • District Courts
  • Tribunal Courts and allied courts
  • Bar Associations at all levels

The order records:

“Issue notice, the Registrar Generals of the High Courts identified shall file respective status reports as to whether committees in gender sensitisation and for taking actions against sexual harassment of women and transgenders person have been constituted in all the High Courts/ District Courts, tribunal courts and other allied courts, as well as the bar associations at all levels.”

Significance of the Order

This order is a crucial reaffirmation of the Supreme Court’s commitment to enforcing workplace safety norms within the judiciary and allied legal institutions. By seeking accountability from High Courts and Bar Associations, the Court has emphasised that compliance with the Vishaka Guidelines is not optional but a constitutional and institutional obligation.

The outcome of these status reports may pave the way for uniform guidelines, stricter oversight, and time-bound compliance across the country, ensuring that courts institutions entrusted with protecting rights also uphold them internally.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s intervention in Geeta Rani v. Union of India highlights persistent structural gaps in addressing sexual harassment within the judicial system. By demanding transparency and compliance reports, the Court has taken a decisive step towards fostering safer, more inclusive legal workplaces. The matter now awaits further consideration upon receipt of the status reports from the concerned High Courts.