Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan emphasizes gender equality, asserting that a society aiming for progress cannot constrain half its population. He encourages women lawyers to harness their skills for impactful change at the 3rd Annual Tea Soiree organized by the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Manmohan recently emphasized the importance of gender equality, stating that a society aspiring to grow cannot “Restricting half of its population.” Speaking at the 3rd Annual Tea Soiree organized by the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum, Justice Manmohan highlighted the pivotal role women play in the legal field and encouraged them to utilize their skills to drive change.
“You, as legal professionals, understand the flaws within the system. Utilize your expertise and capabilities to reform it… Any progressing society cannot afford to confine half of its population.”
-he said.
Justice Manmohan emphasized that the Constitution empowers women, and that promoting gender equality is crucial in the current transformative phase. Reflecting on his early career, he noted-
“When I entered the legal profession, there was only one female judge. Now, we have nine. I am confident that with time, their representation will continue to improve.”
The Acting Chief Justice shared encouraging statistics, pointing out the increasing representation of women in the judiciary.
“In the Delhi Higher Judicial Services (DHJS) today, we observe a male majority of 66% and a female representation of approximately 33%. However, in recent years, nearly 66% of new recruits in the Delhi Judicial Services (DJS) have been women. With a significant number of women at the foundation, it’s likely that more will ascend to higher positions. This expansion of the talent pool suggests that forums like the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum can play a pivotal role.”
Justice Rekha Palli, the senior-most woman judge of the Delhi High Court, also addressed the gathering. Reflecting on her early days as a lawyer, she recalled-
“When I began my career as a lawyer, there were only 10 women sharing a cramped, dimly lit bar room. While the space has expanded since then, there’s a continual need for larger accommodations… If women are to advance, we must stand together. That solidarity is key to our progress. Remember, in all your endeavors, you represent an entire class.”
Justice Palli emphasized that the legal profession is evolving beyond being exclusively male-dominated, stating-
“It is transitioning into a domain increasingly occupied by women.”
In a lighthearted manner, she remarked that even the Chief Justice couldn’t dispute this fact. He highlighted the increasing presence of young and seasoned female lawyers, indicating a promising future. Justice Palli urged acknowledgment and gratitude towards the pioneering women who paved the way in the earlier, more challenging times.
ALSO READ: Former Supreme Court Judge Indira Banerjee Addresses ‘Gender Imbalance’ in the Judiciary
She urged women to persist in pursuing law as a career, affirming that it is a profession open to all and should not deterred by discouraging remarks.
The event also featured the unveiling of the new logo for the Delhi High Court Women Lawyers Forum, designed by Amrita Singh.
