Retd Justice Markandey Katju Lists Pro-Women Initiatives in Courts, Questions Condemnation Over 'Wink' Remark

New Delhi- Former Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju, in a heartfelt social media post on August 24, addressed his critics as “sisters and daughters,” expressing deep grief over being labeled misogynistic following the backlash to his controversial “wink at judge” remarks. After issuing an apology for the comments, which he insists were made in jest, Katju sought to set the record straight by detailing his longstanding contributions to women’s empowerment, challenging the narrative that he holds a regressive or chauvinistic mindset.

The retired judge, known for his provocative online presence, called for an apology from those who “vilified, stigmatized, pilloried, besmirched, tarnished, and skewered” him, arguing that his actions as a judge and advocate for women’s rights demonstrate his commitment to gender equality. The post, shared on platforms like Facebook and X, has reignited discussions about his legacy, the boundaries of humor, and the responsibilities of public figures in India.

The controversy erupted when Katju, responding to a female lawyer’s query about effective courtroom arguments, suggested on X that she “wink at the judge,” followed by a now-deleted claim that “all the lady lawyers who winked at me in Court got favourable orders.” The remarks, posted in August 2025, were widely condemned as sexist and demeaning, prompting outrage from the legal community and women’s advocacy groups. The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association demanded an apology, and critics, including advocate MN Gopinadh, called for a review of Katju’s judicial orders, citing concerns over impartiality. Katju promptly apologized on social media, clarifying that the comments were meant in “lighter vein,” but the backlash persisted, with many accusing him of undermining women’s professional credibility and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

In his latest post, Katju expressed dismay at being misunderstood, emphasizing his decades-long advocacy for women’s emancipation. He referenced his article “On Women’s Emancipation,” written years ago, which detailed the historical oppression of women and called for societal change. Katju highlighted the unsung heroism of Indian women, who tirelessly manage households while often working professionally, bearing a “double burden” that he noted is rarely shared by husbands due to prevailing feudal mentalities in India. He contrasted this with Western countries, where men more commonly share household chores, underscoring his recognition of the unique challenges faced by Indian women, particularly working professionals like doctors, lawyers, and teachers who juggle demanding careers with domestic responsibilities.

Katju further defended his record by recounting specific initiatives he undertook as a judge to support women in the legal profession. While serving as Acting Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court in 1991, he addressed the lack of facilities for female lawyers by ordering the construction of the Cornelia Sorabjee Hall, named after India’s first woman lawyer. This dedicated space within the court premises included washrooms, toilets, a canteen, and comfortable seating, exclusively for women advocates, resolving the inconvenience they faced due to the absence of nearby restrooms. Katju noted that this was a significant step at a time when such facilities were scarce, demonstrating his commitment to improving the working conditions for women in the judiciary.

As Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in 2004, Katju took further steps to support women by establishing the first-ever creche in an Indian High Court. Recognizing the challenges faced by young married women lawyers and court staff with small children, he allocated rooms within the court building for a creche, equipped with toys and staffed by two women to care for and feed the children during working hours. This initiative, supported by advocate Mohan Parasaran, allowed working mothers to leave their children in a safe environment while performing their professional duties, a facility Katju claims remains unique among Indian courts. These actions, he argued, reflect his deep respect for women and their contributions, contrary to the misogynistic image painted by his critics.

Concluding his post, Katju questioned whether he deserved the “condemnation, castigation, invectives, rebuke, excoriation, vituperation, deprecation, and denunciation” directed at him. He urged his critics to reconsider their stance and show “decency” by offering an apology, just as he had apologized for the winking remarks. The post has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising Katju’s efforts to highlight his pro-women initiatives, while others argue that his past contributions do not excuse the offensive nature of his recent comments.