Senior lawyer Abha Singh defends Justice Swatanter Kumar, allegation after years not fair

Commenting on the recent allegations on former Supreme Court Justice Sawatanter Kumar for sexually harassing a law intern, senior lawyer Abha Singh on Saturday said that it was unfortunate that on mere allegations the image of a judge has been maligned.

"It is very unfortunate that on mere allegation it has maligned judge's image. Such allegations can be misused. Why she is complaining after so long. Instead of appealing in court now, she should have gone through the right legal procedures," said Abha Singh.

"She would have complained about it to police or would have written to the President of India.

It is very sad that a 68 years old serious and honest judge's career is spoilt on mere allegation. This judge has an impeccable record," she said. The law intern, who is an ex-student of the National University of Juridical Sciences in Kolkata, had recently filed a complaint with the Supreme Court along with an affidavit seeking action against him.

The law intern, who is an ex-student of the National University of Juridical Sciences in Kolkata, had recently filed a complaint with the Supreme Court along with an affidavit seeking action against him.

As per the complaint, he sexually harassed her on May, 2011 in his office when he was a sitting judge in the Supreme Court

Senior lawyer Pramila Nesargi said that only two percent of such cases came in public domain.

"There are many more such cases. People have faith in judiciary and they look at judges and lawyers respectfully, and it is unfortunate that such a former judge has been accused of such a crime," said Nesargi.

"It should be dealt with seriously and an enquiry must be done. If he is guilty, then he should be arrested because we have to treat everyone equally," she said.

President of Mahila Congress Soumya Oza said that she was glad women were stepping forward to register such complaints

"Women in this country have become bold enough to resister their complaints and I congratulate the young girl who has come forward to register her complaint and it is important that strict action should be taken against any form of atrocities against women," said Oza.