Delhi Court Order Observes That Using Sexist Language Against Women Can Attract Sexual Harassment Charges Under IPC
However this year may have started, especially for women, considering that we’re in the midst of political debacles, pandemic concerns and lockdowns, the the one constantly being bogged down with trouble were the women, it is safe to say that it is ending on a much brighter and promising note than that. We say that not in terms of getting the number on domestic violence cases or rapes in check or eliminated, but upon witnessing the recent bunch of rulings (even about sexist language) by judges that have at least offered us women a fighting chance to turn things around.
The latest one being where a Delhi court order has established that using sexist language against a woman can result in the person facing sexual harassment charges, and boy are we glad to have this officially regulated. With people and society extending to themselves the entitlement of speaking to women in derogatory ways, it was about time that these people and their words were put into check.
This order came after the Delhi Court turned down the plea of a man against a magisterial court framing charges of sexual harassment and insulting a woman’s modesty against him. Seems like no more free passes for men and monsters who thought they could get away with enraging a woman’s modesty by passing horrible, sexist remarks at her.
Also Read : In This Math Textbook, The Problems Are Sexist. Women Go To Spa Retreats And Men Do Sit Ups. Oh Stop Already
Using sexist language to attract charges of sexual harassment, warns Delhi court – Times Now https://t.co/KzSPCKx5GS
— Iranian Diaspora Network (@Irandiasporaa) December 23, 2020
We won’t lie, at this point, it is almost a great time to be a woman in this country. After all, we can see our efforts to educate the society on harassment are all coming to the point of fruition. In February, the magistrate’s court that was overseeing the case, where a woman filed a complaint against her manager for using a sexist slur against her, was what brought the issue to notice.
Additional sessions judge Dharmender Rana who also reviewed the case said, “At the stage of framing of charge, the court cannot brush aside the statement of the complainant wherein she has levelled specific allegations against the accused.” The court observed that the woman’s allegations against the man were “specific” and held merit.
It was here where while still reviewing the facts of the case, the court observed that using sexist language, slurs and connotations against women can attract charges of sexual harassment under the Indian Penal Code. And for us, that seems like quite an important win.
Meanwhile, as the man and his defence argued that the woman had filed this false complaint against the man, when asked to resign due to professional incompetence, referring to the Supreme Court’s judgement on Sheoraj Singh Ahlawat vs State of UP case, the court observed that what was to be considered was the ground for presuming the accused had committed the offence, not the ground for convicting him. As of now, the accused man’s plea has been dismissed and the charges against him still remain. As they should.
