The Supreme Court on Wednesday launched a ‘handbook on combating gender stereotypes’, which would guide judges in avoiding the usage of ‘inappropriate’ gender terms in court orders and legal documents.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the book identifies stereotypes unwittingly used by courts in various judgements. He said they have been highlighted so that it will help judges to avoid stereotyping by recognising language that leads to such stereotypes.

“This is about stereotypes about women in legal discourse. It identifies stereotypes used by courts and how they are unwittingly used. (It is) not to cast aspersion on judgements. It will help judges to avoid it by recognising language which leads to stereotypes. It highlights binding decisions which have highlighted the same,” the CJI said.

The CJI further said that the manual and the tutorial for e-filing have been uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website, and it will be followed by the handbook.

Recently, the CJI had approved gender-neutral restrooms and online appearance slips at the Supreme Court.