Bhopal, August 2, 2025 –
In a dramatic turn that once again places the spotlight on judicial accountability, Madhya Pradesh civil judge Aditi Sharma has resigned from her post, citing alleged harassment by a senior judge. Her resignation has reignited debates about gender equality and safety within India’s judicial system.
Sharma, one of the six women judges whose termination was recently overturned by the *Supreme Court, had only resumed her duties five months ago. The apex court had earlier ruled their removal as “unjust” and ordered their *reinstatement in March 2025.
“Not Because I Lost, But Because The System Did”
On July 28, Aditi Sharma formally tendered her resignation. In a powerful statement, she wrote:
“I’m not resigning because I lost to the system, but because the system itself has failed.”
Sharma was posted as a Civil Judge (Junior Division) in the Shahdol district following her reinstatement. Despite being legally vindicated, she claims the work environment remained hostile and biased.
Courts Must Serve Both Sides, Says Sharma
Reflecting on her experiences in the judiciary, she emphasized the court’s duty to ensure fair hearings:
“Even when a verdict is in one party’s favor, the losing side deserves to be heard and satisfied.”
“In my case, there was neither justice nor a proper inquiry,” she added, clearly disillusioned.
Background: Supreme Court’s Stand on Women Judges
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court intervened after reports of wrongful termination of six women judges in Madhya Pradesh surfaced. The court criticized the lack of due process and ordered all six, including Sharma, to be reinstated. The verdict was hailed as a victory for gender justice in India’s judiciary.
Calls for Structural Change
Aditi Sharma’s exit now raises serious concerns. Legal experts and women’s rights activists have started demanding a mechanism for grievance redressal for lower judiciary members, especially women. Many are calling for independent judicial watchdogs to prevent abuse of power within the system.
What’s Next?
While Sharma hasn’t announced any legal steps post-resignation, her statement has gone viral on social media. Netizens and former colleagues alike have expressed solidarity, urging authorities to investigate the harassment allegations with urgency.
Key Takeaways:
- Judge Aditi Sharma Resigns citing harassment by a senior judge in Madhya Pradesh.
- She was reinstated by the Supreme Court in March 2025 after being wrongly removed.
- Resigned just five months after rejoining as Civil Judge in Shahdol.
- Said she quit not out of defeat, but because “the system failed.”
- Alleged there was no proper inquiry or justice in her case.
- Her exit has sparked public outrage and demands for accountability in the judiciary.