Judges need to be sensitised to deal with sexual assault cases: AG

Attorney General of India, KK Venugopal, stated in the apex court that judges, who are from "old school" and "patriarchal" in nature need to be sensitised and all lawyers should undergo training of two to three years with regard to gender sensitization. Venugopal suggested these measures so that judges do not pass orders objectifying women in cases of sexual violence.

New Delhi:KK Venugopal, Attorney General, on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that judges, who are from "old school" and "patriarchal" in nature need to be sensitised so that they do not pass orders objectifying women in cases of sexual violence.

"Judges who are from the old school and are patriarchal need to be sensitised. All lawyers should undergo training of two to three years with regard to gender sensitization. Teachers should be dedicated to this subject and be taught to them. Sensitization of judges by State Judicial Academies is needed," he said.

The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice S Ravindra Bhat were hearing a plea filed by nine women lawyers against an order passed by Madhya Pradesh High Court wherein it had asked the victim sexual assault case to tie rakhi on the accused.

Adding on further the AG submitted that victim needs to be given protection so that incidents of acid throwing or witness coercion does not take place.

He also submitted a written note in the court emphasizing the need for more women judges so that sexual assault cases are dealt with empathy.

AG suggested various measures including the collection of data on women judges in tribunals, lower courts, high courts, teaching gender in law schools.

The government's top law officer also pointed out that there is no course on gender that is taught in law schools compulsorily and that some law schools have the subject either as a specialization or as an elective.