[Creche in Delhi High Court] Parenting is a joint responsibility: Justice Indira Banerjee

The Delhi High Court on Friday inaugurated a creche facility within its premises..The inaugural event was attended by Supreme Court judges Justices Indira Banerjee and BV Nagarathna and Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sangi and judges Justices Prathiba M Singh and Mukta Gupta.."It is a big leap towards equality and equal opportunity to women," Justice Banerjee who was the chief guest for the event said.Justice Banerjee drew attention to the mindset that only mothers are responsible for bringing up children. She said that it is a mindset so deep-rooted that even the judiciary is not immune to it."Parenting is a joint responsibility. But there is a deep rooted mindset and that pervades down through all levels of society, we judges included. I was just wondering why all the members of the crèche committee were all women? This is because of the mindset that it is the woman who is responsible for rearing the child. I am glad that the High Court has taken this big leap," she said. She pointed out that with the changing family structure with a fall in the number of joint families which share child rearing responsibilities, such a creche is of immense benefit, not only to employees but to practicing lawyers as well. The Covid-19 pandemic had also impacted women in the workforce, she opined as she recalled the difficulties faced by her personal assistant at the Supreme Court, especially during the pandemic."I actually first realised the use of the crèche after I came to the Supreme Court. My PA used to leave her little child there and report to duty. Unfortunately, with the pandemic, everything closed and here this lady was in immense difficulty," she said.However, Justice Banerjee opined that apart from being helpful to women, a creche like the one established at the Delhi High Court would help to nurture a group of children to being responsible citizens..Parenting is a joint responsibility (of man and woman).Justice Indira Banerjee.This sentiment was echoed by Justice BV Nagarathna in her address as the Guest of Honour. "I am sure that the committee will appoint staff who have the ability to step into the shoes of a mother and caregiver. I am sure the environment would aid the intellectual and psychological development of the children", she said. The Supreme Court judge began her address by stressing on the importance of ensuring equal participation of women in all spheres. "Let me start by saying that no country, community or economy can achieve its potential without full and equal participation of women. To encourage more mothers to join and participate in labour force, good childcare is essential," she said. She stated that maternity should not impede women's careers and providing childcare facilities at the workplace is a laudable initiative. "In India it's rather disappointing that although entry of women is increasing, talent is not being retained. One of the reasons is finding an alternate care giver when they become parents...Research has shown that where such facilities are provided, employee productivity and retention has significantly improved. I firmly believe that maternity should not be barrier for women's career," Justice Nagarathna said. She also hinted that currently, the novel concept is childcare leave but declined to comment further as it is still being debated. .No country, community or economy can achieve its potential without full and equal participation of women.Justice BV Nagarathna.Chairperson of the Creche Committee and Judge of the Delhi High Court, Justice Prathiba M Singh delivered the welcome address in which she went through what she termed as a long and arduous journey towards developing and opening a crèche at the Delhi High Court "The crèche has been a long pending demand which has taken fruit today. In 1999, women lawyers had represented for a crèche. In 2007, the Delhi HC made a statement that they would be setting up a crèche. It is now 15 years down the line," she said.From the first chairperson of the crèche committee Justice Hima Kohli to Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi who took the initiative of inaugurating the creche, Justice Singh tipped her hat to Justices Hima Kohli, Asha Menon and Mukta Gupta for the work they put in to establish the creche. She also highlighted some features of the crèche such as pediatric services, CCTV with parental access, all at nominal rates such as ₹100/day. .Delhi High Court judge, Justice Mukta Gupta recalled the progress that has been made from the time when there wasn't even a women's restroom when the Delhi High Court was first established. "Gone are the days where mothers were expected to leave the profession and care for children. Every woman judge has been associated with this," she said.She also pointed out that the crèche is not only for the Delhi High Court Bar but also the HC staff and even litigants. .Gone are the days where mothers were expected to leave the profession and care for children.Justice Mukta Gupta.In his address at the inauguration event, Delhi High Court's Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi pointed out that in India, the work participation rate of women is low, especially in the High Court where it is 23 percent. He opined that an important factor contributing to this is the lack of safe childcare forcing women to compromise their careers. "We can all think of brilliant women comprising promising careers...This is unfair when done with lack of choice. With change in family structure has made childcare even more challenging", he said. He also remarked that while the existence of crèches can liberate every woman, it is for both mothers and fathers who are engaged in rearing their children."The crèche is to liberate every woman. In today's scenario the crèche is not just for mothers but also fathers who are bringing up their little ones," he said.