Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju issued a public apology following a controversial remark that sparked outrage within legal circles and beyond. The former judge had recently claimed during a social media interaction that female lawyers who “winked” at him often received favorable orders, a statement that triggered severe criticism for being misogynistic and undermining judicial integrity.
Katju, known for his outspoken persona on public platforms, clarified that his comment was intended as a light-hearted jest rather than a factual admission. However, the remark drew intense backlash from the legal fraternity and social media users, many of whom condemned it as an affront to professional ethics and gender parity in the judiciary.
Acknowledging the gravity of the outrage, Katju expressed regret, stating that he did not intend to demean women lawyers or suggest any impropriety in judicial functioning. He reiterated his respect for the legal profession and apologized to those who found his comment offensive, emphasizing that his words were taken out of context and should not be interpreted as a reflection of judicial practices.
The episode has reignited debates on gender sensitivity and professional decorum within the legal ecosystem, with critics stressing the importance of accountability, even in informal statements by former members of the higher judiciary. Experts argue that such comments, regardless of intent, risk eroding public confidence in judicial impartiality a cornerstone of constitutional governance.