DEIB India Updates - July '26 Edition

Discover key legal insights and societal inclusion steps in DEIB India Updates July 2026 Edition.

1. Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Inadequate Court Facilities for Women Advocates

   
   

   While hearing Sarika Tyagi v. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 544/2024), the Supreme Court reminded us that diversity without inclusion is incomplete. The Court expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities for women advocates in court complexes, including clean washrooms, Ladies’ Bar Rooms, and nursing and changing rooms. The Court also observed that such deficiencies affect the dignity, safety, and equal professional participation of women advocates and have a direct nexus with Article 21 of the Constitution. It also highlighted the financial challenges faced by young and first-generation lawyers, suggesting a Young Lawyers’ Professional Assistance Fund. The case is a powerful reminder that true equity is not just about opening doors, it is about creating workplaces and institutions where everyone has the support, infrastructure, and opportunity to thrive.

2. Centre Launches ‘Nirbhay Chetna’, the World's Largest Gender Sensitisation Initiative

   
   

   The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched ‘Nirbhay Chetna’, a nationwide initiative to train over 17.5 lakh elected male representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions on women’s safety, gender equality, and positive masculinity. Backed by the Nirbhaya Fund, the programme will also develop 28,500 Master Trainers to conduct sessions across states, districts, and blocks. What makes this initiative stand out is its focus on involving men as partners in creating safer and more inclusive communities. It recognises that gender equality cannot be achieved by women alone. When those in leadership understand their role in challenging stereotypes and promoting respect, they can help build communities where everyone feels safe, valued, and included.

3. Maharashtra to Form Women Legislators' Panel on Workplace Harassment

   
   

   Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the formation of a joint committee comprising women legislators from both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council to review laws and workplace safety measures for women, particularly in corporate workplaces. The decision comes in the wake of allegations of sexual and mental harassment of women employees in Nashik, which sparked discussions in the Legislative Council. The committee will examine whether the existing legal framework, including workplace safety guidelines, is adequate to protect women employees. It will also study recent incidents, identify gaps in implementation, and recommend reforms wherever needed. The Chief Minister assured the House that the State Government would carefully consider the committee’s recommendations and take appropriate steps to strengthen workplace safety and ensure better protection for women across organisations.

4. Supreme Court Approves Guidelines on Judicial Sensitivity in Sexual Offence Cases, Directs All Courts to Follow Them

   
   

   In Re: Order dated 17.03.2025, passed by the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad in Criminal Revision No. 1449/2024 and Ancillary Issues, the Supreme Court approved judicial guidelines aimed at ensuring sensitive handling of sexual offence cases. The proceedings began suo motu after the Allahabad High Court, in a POCSO case, held that the accused's conduct amounted only to preparation and not an attempt to commit rape. Disagreeing, the Supreme Court held that the alleged acts had prima facie crossed the stage of preparation and constituted an attempt to commit rape. It adopted an Expert Committee's handbook prepared through the National Judicial Academy, directing all Supreme Court, High Courts and District Courts to upload and strictly follow the prescribed gender-sensitive terminology and victim-centric practices in judicial proceedings.

5. Madras High Court Reviews Capacity of Special Courts for Crimes Against Women

   
   

   The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Government and the High Court Registry to file a report on the number of POCSO and special courts for sexual harassment against women functioning across the state. The Court has sought district-wise data on the number of courts in operation, additional courts required, existing infrastructure, and measures needed to strengthen the system. The direction came while hearing a petition concerning the timely investigation and trial of offences against women and children. During the proceedings, the State informed the Court that it is framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to expedite prosecution in such cases.