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News 17 of 19

SC Releases New Gender Sensitivity Handbook, Replaces 2023 Version; Recommends Survivor-Centric Language & Trauma-Informed Court Practices

PolitySocial IssuesHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
08 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:125 trial court judgments2026 reportFebruary 10, 2026 SC judgment2023 handbook replaced
Bodies:Supreme CourtNational Judicial Academy (NJA)Allahabad High Court
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What This Article Covers

1.Expert committee led by Justice Aniruddha Bose (former SC judge, NJA Director) drafted the report after examining 125 trial court judgments across India.

2.Replaces the 2023 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes' with a stronger focus on practical training and survivor-centric terminology (e.g., 'victim/survivor' instead of 'prosecutrix').

3.Recommends in camera trials, strict identity protection, and trauma-informed adjudication to prevent re-traumatisation of survivors.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Supreme Court has released a new report titled 'Judgments and Gender' replacing its 2023 handbook on combating gender stereotypes. The report, drafted by an expert committee headed by former SC judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, provides practical guidelines for judges to use survivor-centric language, avoid morality-laden expressions, and adopt trauma-informed courtroom practices. This is crucial for UPSC as it reflects judicial reforms in gender sensitivity and victim protection.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Committee HeadJustice Aniruddha Bose (former SC judge, NJA Director)
Judgments Examined125 trial court judgments
Trigger EventSC judgment of Feb 10, 2026 setting aside Allahabad HC ruling on 'preparation vs attempt' in rape case
Replaces2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes
Key FrameworkSOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sex Characteristics)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Committee Head: Justice Aniruddha Bose (former SC judge, NJA Director)
  • ›Judgments Examined: 125 trial court judgments
  • ›Target this Data: 125 trial court judgments examined by the expert committee.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: National Judicial Academy (NJA), Bhopal – directed to formulate the guidelines.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: BNSS provisions for in camera trials and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam prohibition on indecent cross-examination.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Who headed the expert committee that drafted the Supreme Court's new gender sensitivity report?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Supreme Court's new report on gender sensitivity:

1. The new report replaces the 2023 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes.

2. The report recommends using the term 'prosecutrix' to refer to the complainant in sexual offence cases.

3. The report was triggered by a Supreme Court judgment setting aside an Allahabad High Court ruling.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many trial court judgments were examined by the expert committee before formulating the new gender sensitivity report?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the new Supreme Court report on gender sensitivity?

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