To,
Hon’ble Dr. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha,
High Court of Karnataka,
Bengaluru

Subject: Expression of Gratitude for Recognizing the Need for a Gender Neutral Society & heartfelt thanks for a justice-oriented Judgment

Respected Ma’am,

I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. My name is Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj. I am an independent journalist, documentary filmmaker and founder of NGO Ekam Nyaay Foundation. Our organization works at grass-root level to provide a supportive environment for individuals affected by false accusations, wrongful convictions, and other human rights violations. We offer legal and emotional support, counseling and address pressing issues faced by men in society. We have created documentary films like “Martyrs of Marriage” on misuse of IPC 498A which received a global release on NETFLIX from 2018-2020 and “India’s Sons” on victims of false rape accusations to bring forth challenges faced by men in society today. Our films have been screened in Judicial Academies, Courts, Law Colleges and appreciated by retired High Court & Supreme Court Judges as well.

The name “Ekam Nyaay” is derived from Sanskrit and translates to “One Justice”, reflecting our commitment to equality and fairness for all.

Madam, we are writing to you with immense respect and admiration, to express our heartfelt gratitude for your profound judgment in Civil Petition No. 370 of 2024 where you have decided a transfer petition case in favour of a husband, highlighting challenges that men are also facing in society. Your Ladyship’s words “Constitutionally, a female has got equal rights as that of a
male. As a matter of fact, women are the primary victims in most situations, but that does not mean that men are not affected by the cruelty of women. Therefore, there is a necessity for a gender-neutral society. Such a society aims at preventing separation of duties according to sex or gender. It will focus on equal treatment of men and women both in domestic affairs and
workplaces. Equality should be in its truest sense and not at the expense of either gender. However admirable our efforts to safeguarding women may be, we should not overlook the challenges encountered by men in our society” have touched millions of hearts and resonated deeply with organizations like us who are working every day for men who suffer because of legal predicaments despite being innocent. It takes immense courage, foresight, and empathy to openly recognise the need for a gender-neutral society, and your observations have provided hope to countless individuals who feel unheard and marginalised.

Unfortunately, societal stereotypes often paint men as perpetual perpetrators, which is a bias that has caused immense harm to innocent lives. Your acknowledgment of the need for equality, not at the expense of either gender but in its truest sense, is a significant step forward in challenging such preconceived notions. The depth of your reasoning reflects an equitable and compassionate approach to justice. It is through judgments like this that the judiciary reinforces its role as a beacon of hope for those seeking fairness, irrespective of societal biases. Landmarks Judgments from Apex Courts have promoted a strong judicial sensitivity towards issues faced by women. We hope that this judgment of yours promotes sensitivity towards both genders and towards Equality in real sense irrespective of Gender.

Please accept my deepest respect for your judicial wisdom and empathy. Your words and actions inspire us to continue our mission with greater vigour, knowing that there are very erudite, empathetic and balanced judges in judiciary also who recognize the importance of true equality, neutrality and challenges faced by men too.

Thank you, Your Ladyship, for being a trailblazer in advocating for true equality and for giving hope to those who have longed for justice.

Yours Respectfully,

Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj
Founder and Director
Ekam Nyaay Foundation