Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud raised concerns about the low representation of women in Bar Association elections. “Running for elections in Bar Associations and bar councils involves extensive networking, campaigning, and seeking votes, which often results in the formation and continuation of a deeply rooted old boys’ club,” the Chief Justice remarked.
NEW DELHI: Recently, The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, raised concerns about the lack of female representation in Bar Councils and Bar Associations across India.
READ ALSO: CJI Emphasizes Preservation of Ancient Manuscripts
CJI Chandrachud criticized the prevailing environment, which he described as perpetuating an entrenched “old boys club”, and urged for a more conducive atmosphere for women to participate and succeed in such elections.
“Despite the rapid growth in the number of women lawyers, we do not see a corresponding increase in their representation within our elected Bar Associations or Bar Councils. In the absence of explicit barriers to participating in elections and with the rising numbers of women lawyers, the pertinent question is: ‘Why aren’t more women participating in and winning elections for Bar Associations or Bar Councils?'” the Chief Justice of India inquired.
The CJI addressed the fact that “Not a single woman held an officer bearer position in the Bar Council of India”, and only one woman was part of the Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association. A report by Bar and Bench in 2021 revealed that a 2.04 percent of elected representatives across State Bar Councils from 21 states and union territories were women.
READ ALSO: CJI Inaugurates “Accessibility Help Desk” Making Supreme Court Accessible For All
The existing environment acts as a disincentive for women, discouraging their participation in the elections and limiting their engagement in campaigns.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized that “removing formal barriers alone is insufficient to address the issue“. He called upon the current male office bearers of bar bodies to actively encourage and support women lawyers who stand for election.
Creating a conducive environment that provides a fair chance for women to participate and succeed is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders. The CJI also urged women advocates to assert their positions in Bar Associations and actively contest elections to hold positions of responsibility.
“Running for elections in Bar Associations and bar councils involves extensive networking, campaigning, and seeking votes, which often results in the formation and continuation of a deeply rooted old boys’ club,” the Chief Justice remarked.
During the three-day centenary celebration of the High Court Bar Association at Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud also raised concerns about the practice of bar association members commenting on ongoing cases and court judgments.
“It is incumbent upon the existing male office bearers to not only encourage and assist women lawyers running for election but also create an environment conducive to providing them with a fair opportunity,” he stated.
The CJI also encouraged women advocates to assert their presence in Bar Associations.
“Step forward. Contest elections and take on positions of responsibility,” he urged.
During his address, CJI Chandrachud
“The recent designation of 11 women lawyers as senior advocates by the Supreme Court indicates a shift in the demographics of our successful legal practitioners,” he noted.
