Why sensitive legal language matters
The Indian judiciary is undergoing a shift toward more sensitive and inclusive language in legal documents, as evidenced by the Supreme Court's revised handbook on gender stereotypes. While the Karnataka High Court has adopted more empathetic terminology like 'parenting time' in custody cases, the article argues that such reforms remain inconsistent and isolated.
Why it matters
Judicial language shapes social perceptions and legal outcomes, making the move toward gender-neutral and empathetic terminology a critical step for institutional reform.
Why sensitive legal language matters left For every instance of the judiciary displaying empathy, multiple instances of insensitivity continue to persist. File. Reuters Reuters https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ychule/article71608933.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/IMG_NCLAT-approves-_G51D_2_1_8TDJ40P5.jpg ANDREW KELLY A gavel and a block is pictured at the George Glazer Gallery antique store in this illustration picture taken in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 18, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Illustration Words have meanings which cannot be separated from their social contexts, and change will come forth only when we are willing to recognise and confront them Over the last few months, the Supreme Court of India has been engaged in an ongoing conversation about reforming judicial language, through the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s call for revising its 2024 Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes. In February, the CJI claimed that the Handbook was ‘technical and Harvard-oriented’, prompting a revised version which was published in August 2026.
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