The Court was hearing petitions requesting a reservation of posts for women in the DHCBA, with some petitions seeking up to a 33% quota for women in bar associations across Delhi.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday(18th Nov) criticized the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) conduct regarding the reservation for women lawyers in the Association.
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Lekhi, representing the DHCBA, informed the Court that the petitioners were making remarks against judges.
In response, the Bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, remarked, “Don’t indulge in theatrics or fuel the fire. The Bar’s conduct is disgraceful.”
The Court was hearing petitions requesting a reservation of posts for women in the DHCBA, with some petitions seeking up to a 33% quota for women in bar associations across Delhi.
BRIEF FACTS
In September, the Court had urged the DHCBA to reserve 4 out of 10 positions on its Executive Committee (EC) for women. However, at a recent DHCBA general body meeting (GBM), resolutions advocating for reservation were rejected.
During a previous hearing, the Bench had decided to review a video recording of that meeting. The video showed a predominantly male crowd vocally opposing reservations for women, overpowering the voices of protesting female lawyers.
Senior Advocate Geeta Luthra, representing the petitioners, stated that the meeting could have been conducted more effectively. Another lawyer for the petitioners added that the DHCBA had now proposed reserving the ceremonial Joint Treasurer post for women.
The Court indicated it would heard the matter on November 29.
Justice Kant added, “There will be a one-week cooling-off period, or else arguments will proceed on the next date,” as lawyers continued to create a ruckus.
Elections for the Bar Council of Delhi and other bar associations in the national capital, initially set for October 19, have been postponed by the Delhi High Court to December 13 due to ongoing litigation before the Supreme Court.
Case Title: Aditi Chaudhary v. Bar Council of Delhi and ors.
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