Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol highlighted a harsh societal reality during his speech at the first International Supreme Court Advocates on Record (SCAORA) Legal Conference. He shared the story of a woman who was forced to stay outside her house during menstruation, calling it a reflection of “the India we live in.” To illustrate his point, Justice Karol showed a photograph he took in 2023 of a rural woman sitting in a makeshift shelter, emphasizing how such practices still persist in remote areas.
Justice Karol’s photo underscored the need for societal reform, pointing out that the court system has not fully reached places like rural Bihar and Tripura. He stressed that most people with access to justice are predominantly from educated, metropolitan areas. He remarked, “India is not Delhi. India is not Bombay,” urging for efforts to ensure justice reaches those in rural and remote regions.
The judge also noted that the Indian Constitution is a dynamic document, adaptable to changes, and should be a key tool in addressing social and economic injustices. His speech highlighted the divide in access to justice and the ongoing need to address this gap across the country.
