“Do an item number” – High Court judge to a female district court judge.
The allegations made by additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior against Madhya Pradesh High Court judge has brought back light on sexual harassment that women lawyers and legal professionals face. The recent allegations levelled by a district and sessions judge who was heading the Vishaka committee against sexual harassment highlights the seriousness of the issue. The judge at such a higher post, could not save herself from prying eyes of the High Court judge.
And when she failed to withstand the pressure, she put down her papers to protect her dignity, womanhood and self-esteem. The victim was posted as additional district and sessions judge in Gwalior in October 2012. In April 2013, she was appointed chairperson of District Vishaka Committee. According to reports, in her complaint to the Chief Justice of Supreme Court, she alleged that the judge sent her a message through the district registrar to “perform dance on an item song” at a function in his residence.
Here is the letter which she wrote to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court :
JAO HO , GOD BLESS U.