Lack of safeguards for women with male gym trainers a serious concern: Allahabad HC

Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns about male trainers instructing women in gyms, saying there are not enough safeguards in place to protect female clients.

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav made the observation while hearing an appeal in a criminal case against a gym trainer accused of caste-based abuse and harassment.

“It is a matter of serious concern that presently male gym trainers are imparting training to female clients without adequate safeguards to ensure their safety and dignity,” the court said.

The case involves gym trainer Nitin Saini, who allegedly made a deeply derogatory and offensive caste-based slur used to insult and demean women from the Chamar (or Scheduled Caste) community. He was also accused of pushing her and throwing her out of the gym. The complainant also alleged that Saini made obscene videos of her friend.

Later, the court directed police to verify whether the gym operated by the accused was registered under the law, whether the accused had been arrested, and if the gym employed female trainers. The case will be heard again on September 8.

(With inputs from Bar and Bench)