The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Bar Council of Meghalaya and the Bar Council of India to submit detailed plans within two weeks outlining measures to ensure the safety and protection of women lawyers and law interns.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh issued the direction while hearing a petition related to the alleged assault of advocate AH Hazarika by members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF). During the hearing, the court expanded the scope of the matter to address broader concerns regarding the safety, dignity and security of women professionals and interns in the legal field.
The court took note of the assurance given by the Bar Council of Meghalaya that complaint drop boxes for reporting sexual harassment would be installed in all bar associations within the week. The mechanism is intended to provide a secure platform for women advocates and interns to raise grievances related to harassment.
The Bar Council of Meghalaya informed the court that it had held a meeting on July 31 and expressed concern over ensuring a safe and respectful working environment for women lawyers and interns.
The case stems from allegations that advocate AH Hazarika had allegedly harassed a law intern in his chamber and offered her money after she objected. The High Court’s directions aim to establish stronger safeguards and accountability mechanisms within the legal community.