Women's rights organization declares support to complainant against CJI

By Our Representative
Well-known women's rights organization, Women Against Sexual Violence and State Repression (WSS), in an open letter to the complainant in the Chief Justice of India (CJI) sexual harassment case, has assured her that WSS will work with her "to ensure that due process is followed and that all institutions are held accountable, even at the highest court of the country."
Calling the "harassment" she and her family face even since she raised her voice against CJI Ranjan Gogoi as brazenly patriarchal, the letter praises her "resolve" to speak out against CJI.
Saying that it suggests her "resilience", the letter continues, her resolve "has forced into public domain, questions of accountability of the highest judicial body of this country, and demands that they demonstrate their commitment to the rule of law and justice, which they are supposed to uphold."
Signed by WSS conveners Ajita, Nisha, Rinchin and Shalini, the letter continues, "The vindictive display of power by CJI and his supporters has resulted in making a mockery of the justice system, and exposed the highest seat of justice in the country."
It adds, "It is ironic that this institution which gave us the Vishakha guidelines, read down Section 377, opposed the Brahmanical practice of temple entry restrictions by allowing women to enter Sabarimala, and ordered compensation for survivor of rape, Bilkis Bano, has failed to consider your hearing difficulties, gender, caste, and the skewed power imbalance between you and the CJI."

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