JUSTICE PARDIWALA URGES GRASSROOTS EFFORTS TO PROTECT GIRL CHILDREN, EMPHASIZES NEED TO ERADICATE SOCIAL PREJUDICES:

Justice J.B. Pardiwala, Judge of the Supreme Court of India and a Member of its Juvenile Justice Committee, has called for urgent, grassroots-level efforts to protect and empower the girl child. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Annual Stakeholders Consultation on “Safeguarding the Girl Child: Towards a Safer and Enabling Environment for Her in India,” organized by the Supreme Court’s Juvenile Justice Committee in association with UNICEF India, Justice Pardiwala emphasized that while India has made considerable legislative progress, true transformation must begin within families and communities.

He noted that despite 75 years of constitutional democracy, the country continues to face persistent challenges in ensuring the rights and dignity of children, particularly girls. Justice Pardiwala observed that discussions, consultations, and even judicial pronouncements, though important, are insufficient without corresponding action at the grassroots level. He stressed the need for collective, compassionate efforts by individuals and institutions to translate legal frameworks into tangible change for children.

Justice Pardiwala acknowledged UNICEF India’s sustained work in promoting child rights and reiterated that children often remain neglected in policymaking because they do not constitute a voting class. As a result, their needs and rights are frequently marginalized. However, he recognized that India has transitioned from a time of inadequate recognition of child rights to an era of increasing awareness and engagement. Drawing from Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, he reflected on children’s innate sensitivity to injustice and observed that girls experience this even more acutely due to deep-rooted gender bias and social conditioning.

He pointed out that the challenges faced by girl children stem from entrenched societal perceptions of women and girls, which perpetuate discrimination and inequality. Although numerous laws and schemes have been enacted to safeguard and empower the girl child, their implementation remains inconsistent and hampered by cultural and attitudinal barriers. Justice Pardiwala highlighted that while laws can influence behavior and drive change, they must be supported by efforts that challenge social prejudices and reshape public discourse about gender equality.

According to him, the movement for change must start within households. Families, he said, should recognize and confront both overt and subtle forms of gender discrimination, such as the unequal distribution of household responsibilities and the undervaluing of girls’ potential and time. By fostering equality and respect within homes, society at large can move toward inclusivity and justice. He also cited examples from India’s indigenous communities, particularly in the North Eastern regions, where traditions celebrate the birth of a girl and recognize her as an equal contributor to family and community life. Justice Pardiwala suggested that mainstream society could learn from such traditions to advance the constitutional vision of equality and build a culture that nurtures and empowers every girl child.

Reflecting on the discussions held during the consultation, he mentioned that the sessions addressed crucial areas such as the PCPNDT Act, education, cybercrimes, and the implementation of the POCSO Act. He emphasized that justice must encompass not only legal verdicts but also dignity, healing, and restoration of public trust. Referring to cybercrime, he expressed concern that girl children are especially vulnerable in digital spaces and called for stronger legal safeguards, improved law enforcement capabilities, and the use of technology to ensure their online safety.

Justice Pardiwala commended states like Odisha, Rajasthan, Assam, Telangana, and Kerala for their successful community-based interventions against child marriage, cybercrime, and child abuse. He urged the formulation of policies grounded in empirical data, strengthened inter-departmental coordination, and preventive strategies focusing on adolescent empowerment. Concluding his address, he urged all stakeholders to translate dialogue into sustained action, reaffirming their commitment to protect and uplift every child in India. He expressed gratitude to Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Chairperson of the Juvenile Justice Committee, and to the Union Ministries and UNICEF India for their collaborative efforts, emphasizing that the nation must move forward with compassion and conviction to ensure that every girl child lives with dignity, equality, and hope.