This handbook states that it “aims to assist judges and the legal community in identifying, understanding and combating stereotypes about women”. The February 10 order indicated that the 2023 handbook includes language that may not be comprehensible to the common man. The handbook goes on to explain that the “reality” however is that “rape and sexual violence have long been used as a tool of social control” and “dominant caste men have historically used sexual violence as a tool to reinforce and maintain caste hierarchies”, they said. The sources said there was a view among judges that “the Supreme Court should not be making such generalised and sweeping statements, which have the effect of painting targets on entire communities”. Story continues below this adIt thanks “the Social Justice Sub-Committee of the e-Committee (Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, Judge, Calcutta High Court; Justice Prathiba Singh, Judge, Delhi High Court; and Professor Jhuma Sen) for their inputs and suggestions”.

Source: Indian Express March 08, 2026 23:03 UTC