Overview

• The High Court on May 27 refused to reduce the sentence of advocate Sanjay Rathore, who was convicted of using gendered abuse against a woman judicial officer in October 2015.
• Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that insulting a female judge during proceedings attacks the foundation of judicial decorum and institutional integrity.
• The court modified the earlier two-year consecutive term to a concurrent sentence, finalizing Rathore’s imprisonment at one year and six months with five months already served.
• Rathore was initially sentenced to 18 months under Section 509 and three months each for threatening and obstructing a public servant under Sections 189 and 353.
• The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity of women officers and deterring gender-specific abuse in courtrooms.