SC Women Lawyers Association Opposes Insulting Remarks Against CJI’s Office [Read Press Release]

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA) has issued a press release reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution of India, the rule of law and the dignity, independence and institutional integrity of constitutional institutions, and has unequivocally opposed any attempt to undermine the dignity of the Supreme Court of India or to disparage the Office of the Chief Justice of India through unwarranted, insulting or institutionally corrosive statements.

The release, dated 13.10.2026 and titled "Upholding the Dignity of the Constitution of India, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, and the Office of the Chief Justice of India", does not name any individual or refer to any specific incident. It states that the Supreme Court occupies a central and indispensable place in the country's constitutional democracy and that its authority rests not only on its judgments but also on the public trust, institutional integrity and constitutional values it embodies. Any deliberate attempt to demean, discredit or undermine the institution, or to erode public confidence in it through irresponsible, intemperate or unwarranted remarks, the Association said, is a matter of serious concern. It added that the Office of the Chief Justice of India carries the highest constitutional significance.

The Association acknowledged that differences of opinion and fair, reasoned criticism are integral to a vibrant democracy, but drew a line between such criticism and personal attacks. It stated that personal attacks, baseless allegations, and language intended to insult the office or diminish the dignity of the Court cannot be equated with legitimate criticism, and cautioned that such conduct risks weakening public confidence in the judiciary and undermining respect for the constitutional framework itself.

The SCWLA clarified that its statement is strictly non-political, that it does not seek to comment on or enter into any political debate, and that its concern is confined to the protection of constitutional values, institutional dignity and the independence of the judiciary. It said that every citizen, and particularly every member of the legal fraternity, bears a responsibility to uphold these principles through responsible speech and conduct, and that the freedom to express disagreement does not absolve anyone of the corresponding responsibility to exercise restraint, fairness and respect when speaking about constitutional offices and institutions.

The Association concluded by stating that it remains committed to defending the institution, upholding the rule of law and the Constitution, preserving public faith in the judiciary, and ensuring that public discourse remains principled, responsible and consistent with the values of the Republic and the dignity of the institution. 

The release is signed by President Mahalakshmi Pavani, Senior Advocate, and Secretary Prernaa Singh, Advocate, along with Vice Presidents Bhakti Pasrija Sethi and Priyanka Mathur, Assistant Secretary Mansa Singh, Treasurer Sudha Pal, Assistant Treasurer Subhra Saha and Executive Member Maheravish Rein, all Advocates.

[Read Press Release]