CJI Surya Kant flags off Women’s Day walkathon in Chandigarh to promote women’s rights

Surya Kant on Sunday flagged off a walkathon in Chandigarh to raise awareness about women’s rights as part of celebrations marking International Women's Day.

The ‘Women’s Day Walkathon’ began from the police post at Sukhna Lake and concluded at the Open Hand Monument , covering a distance of around 2.5 kilometres . Judges, young lawyers and members of the legal fraternity participated in the event alongside Justice Kant.

Speaking to reporters after the walkathon, Justice Kant said the initiative was aimed at creating greater awareness about women’s rights in society. “It felt good. Young lawyers and judges also took part. Its purpose was to make people aware about women’s rights. I am sure this walk must have contributed a little in that direction,” he said.

The walkathon, along with a plantation drive, was organised as part of the India International Disputes Week 2026 (It is a legal forum that brings together judges, lawyers and arbitration experts to discuss and strengthen India’s role in resolving domestic and cross-border disputes through litigation, mediation and arbitration) . Sheel Nagu 66th Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court also participated in the event.

Events such as the Women’s Day walkathon flagged off by Justice Kant help promote gender equality by raising public awareness about women’s rights and encouraging community participation. The involvement of senior judicial figures also signals institutional support for protecting women’s rights. Organised during India International Disputes Week 2026 and around International Women’s Day, the initiative highlights the role of legal institutions and society in advancing equality and justice for women.

Earlier on Saturday evening, Justice Kant inaugurated the Chandigarh International Arbitration Centre, a move aligned with Article 51 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages fostering international relations, by promoting cross-border arbitration and positioning India as a hub for global dispute resolution. And delivered a keynote address on “India’s Cross-Border Disputes Services: 2026–2030 Outlook for Litigation, Mediation, and Arbitration” during the opening ceremony of the first edition of the disputes week.