Kerala Women's Commission to take up scribes' complaint

KOCHI: The full bench of State Women’s Commission will consider the grievances of women journalists who had to face abusive behaviour and even physical assault from advocates in High Court during the recent tiff between the media and lawyers. "A decision in this regard will be taken by the Commission full bench and the statement of women journalists will be taken, if needed," said Commission member Lisy Jose.

"Both lawyers and media persons should work hand in hand and it is unfortunate that women journalists had to face some bad experiences during the tension. It is important to have an atmosphere where women journalists can work freely," the Commission member said during a district-level adalat conducted at TDM Hall on Tuesday.

Earlier, the women scribes lodged a complaint with acting Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan against the lawyers who tried to prevent them from carrying out their duties. Considering other complaints in the adalat, Ms Jose observed that number of dowry cases is increasing.

"Change in the society's perspective is crucial to bring down atrocities against women. Women are still being considered as secondary citizen and lack of a women-oriented perspective in legislation also is a major reason," she said. Women's Commission, which settles more than 7,000 cases per year, should be given more powers and recognition, she added. During the adalat, 120 cases were considered of which 49 were settled.