Apex Court Acknowledges Petitioner's Efforts; Urges Competent Authority to Consider Previous Observations
In a significant move towards enhancing the welfare of young working women, the Supreme Court of India has directed the competent authority to consider its previous observations for formulating a comprehensive Model policy. The directive came as part of the judgment in the case of Shailendra Mani Tripathi v. Secretary Ministry of Women and Child Development, Union of India, where the petitioner had sought the Court's intervention in promoting the welfare of young working women.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, acknowledged the efforts of the petitioner, Shailendra Mani Tripathi, in bringing to light the pertinent issues faced by young working women. The Court noted that the petitioner had already fulfilled his responsibilities in this regard and highlighted the need for a structured policy approach from the authorities.
The Supreme Court emphasized that there is no need for Tripathi to repeatedly approach the Court for a positive mandamus, as the groundwork has been laid in the previous court orders dated February 24, 2023, and July 8, 2024. These orders, passed in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 172/2023 and W.P.(C) No. 327/2024 respectively, contain vital observations that should serve as a foundation for the proposed Model policy.
The judgment underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in devising a policy that adequately addresses the challenges faced by young working women. It expressed confidence that the competent authority would earnestly take into account the Court's earlier observations, thereby paving the way for a more supportive and inclusive work environment for women.
The case, which had been registered as Writ Petition (Civil) Diary No(s). 73736 of 2025, was disposed of with the direction to formulate the policy. The Court also disposed of all pending applications related to the case.
This judgment marks a crucial step in reinforcing the legal and institutional framework aimed at safeguarding the interests of young working women in India. It sets a precedent for proactive judicial involvement in social welfare issues, urging the authorities to act decisively on the Court's guidance.
Bottom Line:
Petitioner promoted welfare of young working women - Directions issued to competent authority to consider previous observations of Court for formulating a Model policy for stakeholders.
Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India, 1950 Article 226
