Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum Hosts Debate On "Fathers' Veto Over Abortion Rights"

The Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum held a public debate on the motion “This House Would Grant Fathers a Veto over Abortion Rights” on February 13.

The event was held at Bar Room No. 18, Old Building, Delhi High Court.

It was attended by Justice Prathiba M. Singh, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna.

Other guests included Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, Senior Advocate N. Hariharan (President of the Delhi High Court Bar Association.)

The dignitaries appreciated the introduction of a new culture of parliamentary-style debate at the Delhi High Court Bar.

The debate was conducted in the Asian Parliamentary format and featured distinguished members of the legal fraternity.

Speaking for the proposition were Mr. Buddy A. Ranganadhan, Senior Advocate; Mr. Sanjoy Ghose, Senior Advocate; and Ms. Abiha Zaidi, Advocate-on-Record. Representing the opposition were Ms. Nandita Rao, Senior Advocate; Ms. Sunieta Ojha, Advocate-on-Record; and Mr. Apar Gupta, Advocate.

The proposition argued that feminists must give fathers a say in reproductive decisions, emphasizing that women and men are equal partners who deserve equal rights in matters affecting both.

The opposition contended that feminist struggles have been hard-won, particularly the right to bodily autonomy, and that this fundamental right must be preserved.

The event was organised by Ms. Abiha Zaidi, Ms. Suriti Chowdhary, and Ms. Meenal Duggal under the aegis of the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum.