Mind your ‘administrative’ language, says SC report, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• A Supreme Court report advocates for eliminating outdated and discriminatory job titles from the judiciary's administrative language.
• The report identifies terms like halalkhor, coolie, and scavenger as perpetuating a "grammar of inequality".
• Former CJI B.R. Gavai endorsed the report, emphasizing the need to update terminology to affirm the dignity of all individuals in the judicial system.
• The report has been sent to all State High Courts for consideration and implementation.

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Detailed Insights:

• The report highlights that archaic terminology reflects feudal, colonial, and caste-based hierarchies within the judiciary.
• Continued use of outdated terms normalizes hierarchies and undermines a respectful work culture.
• Terms like halalkhor and scavenger are identified as violating constitutional prohibitions against caste-based discrimination.
• The report recommends aligning administrative language with constitutional values to promote equality and justice.
• Suggested replacements include sanitation assistant for halalkhor/scavenger, laundry operator for dhobi, and freight assistant for coolie.
• Updating administrative nomenclature is seen as a symbolic act of justice, recognizing the worth of every individual in the judicial system.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Grammar of Inequality: Unwritten, hierarchical rules inherited from feudal, colonial, and caste-based systems.
• Thingification: Treating individuals as objects, diminishing their dignity and worth.
• Symbolic Justice: Using language and actions to convey principles of fairness and equality.